On Sunday, TikTok confirmed that it would be restoring service to U.S. users after temporarily blocking access the evening prior. This decision came after President-elect Donald Trump provided the necessary assurances to the company’s service providers, allowing the platform to resume operations in the United States.

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TikTok Thanks President Trump for Intervention

In a statement posted on X, TikTok explained that service was being restored in accordance with agreements made with its service providers. The company expressed gratitude to President Trump for offering the needed clarity and assurances, ensuring that no penalties would be imposed on the providers. This move would allow TikTok to remain available to over 170 million Americans and continue supporting millions of small businesses.

“We appreciate President Trump’s efforts in offering clarity and assurances to our service providers, allowing TikTok to remain available to over 170 million Americans and support more than 7 million small businesses,” TikTok said in its statement. The company also highlighted its commitment to collaborating with the incoming administration on a long-term solution to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.

Trump’s Call for TikTok’s Continuation

Just hours before the block, President Trump had called for TikTok to remain available, particularly to broadcast his inauguration on Monday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump pledged to issue an executive order to extend the timeline before the law banning TikTok would take effect, allowing time for negotiations on a solution that would protect national security while avoiding penalties for companies keeping TikTok active.

“I will issue an executive order to extend the period before the law’s prohibitions take effect, ensuring a deal can be reached that secures national security and guarantees no penalties for any company facilitating TikTok’s availability,” Trump wrote.

Service Gradually Restored

By Sunday afternoon, TikTok began restoring access to its platform. Initially, users could access TikTok through web browsers, with full app functionality gradually returning for some users later in the day. TikTok welcomed users back with a message: “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” The message reassured users that they could continue creating, sharing, and exploring content as usual.

However, the app remained unavailable for download on the Apple and Google app stores as of Sunday.

The Legal Battle and the Ban’s Impact

A law signed by President Biden in April mandated that TikTok would be banned in the U.S. unless ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, sold the platform to a non-Chinese owner. This law, scheduled to take effect on Sunday, includes provisions allowing the president to grant a 90-day extension before the ban is enforced, provided certain criteria are met.

Both the Biden administration and Trump’s team seemed to shift their positions on the matter. While Trump had previously supported a TikTok ban, he later reversed his stance, advocating for a solution that would allow the app to remain in the U.S. The Biden administration, meanwhile, chose not to enforce the TikTok ban, leaving the decision to the incoming Trump administration.

After the Supreme Court approved the law on Friday, TikTok was removed from U.S. app stores on Saturday evening, and service for U.S. users was suspended. These developments further deepened the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S.

Republicans Oppose Delay of the Ban

Despite TikTok’s restoration, several Republicans voiced opposition to any delay in enforcing the ban. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated that the law should be enforced without extension. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) issued a joint statement celebrating the law’s enforcement and arguing that there was no legal basis for extending the timeline.

“Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal justification for extending its deadline,” they said. “ByteDance must agree to a sale that fully severs any ties between TikTok and the Chinese government.”

The Future of TikTok in the U.S.

Despite the legal and political challenges, TikTok remains hopeful about its future in the U.S. The company reiterated its commitment to working with President Trump to find a long-term solution that allows TikTok to continue operating in the country.

Trump has suggested a potential joint venture model, in which the U.S. could own 50% of TikTok. However, this plan may face obstacles due to a law that limits foreign adversary ownership to 20%, which could prevent ByteDance from exceeding that ownership threshold unless the law is amended.

As the situation unfolds, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for ongoing discussions and potential legal challenges in the months ahead.

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