The drama surrounding TikTok reached new heights as the wildly popular video-sharing app went dark over the weekend, leaving its 170 million US users reeling.
The blackout followed a controversial law passed by Congress last year, which led to TikTok voluntarily halting its services ahead of an official ban set to go into effect.
When US-based users tried to access the app, they were met with a somber message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
The app was also removed from Apple and Google Play stores, sparking confusion and frustration among its millions of users.
However, the shutdown was short-lived. TikTok quickly announced plans to restore service after incoming President Donald Trump pledged to delay the ban and seek a long-term solution to keep the app operational in the United States.
Trump to the Rescue
Just 14 hours later, TikTok was back online for US users.
In a tweet, TikTok officials thanked Trump – who will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (Jan 20) – stating: “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over seven million small businesses to thrive.”
The statement also praised Trump for taking a stand against censorship, adding: “It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
Security Concerns
The app has long been a target of national security concerns, with US officials citing fears that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok to spy on Americans or influence public opinion by manipulating content.
FBI Director Christopher Wray previously told Congress that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be compelled under Chinese law to cooperate with government intelligence efforts, per CBS News.
Last year, lawmakers passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok or face a ban. The deadline for compliance was set for January 19 — just one day before Trump’s inauguration.
A Pop-Up Welcome Back
As TikTok restored services, a cheerful message greeted returning users: “Welcome back! Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US! You can continue to create, share and discover all the things you love on TikTok.”
However, not everyone welcomed TikTok’s statements. Critics, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, dismissed the app’s messaging as a publicity ploy.
“We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday.
“We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them.”
Mixed Reactions Online
Social media erupted with debate, with some praising Trump’s intervention and others accusing TikTok of orchestrating a “PR stunt.”
“This was all a stunt to make Trump look good,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “This appears to be a publicity move.”
A third tweeted: “This was such an obvious PR stunt to try to garner favor with Trump. They never had to take TikTok offline, and if they were legally required to, then nothing Trump said to them could have allowed them to restore service.”
“This whole TikTok thing was a PR Stunt from Donald Trump and so many people believed it,” a fourth wrote. “App banned for like two seconds. Trump literally mentioned in the message. CEO attending his inauguration. Ban magically lifted. Like y’all really didn’t see through this?”
A post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, further fueled speculation. Trump stated he would sign an executive order extending the ban deadline, giving TikTok and potential non-Chinese buyers more time to negotiate a deal.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” Trump said.
He also told NBC News on Saturday: “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
With TikTok back online and the political firestorm still raging, the future of the app — and its role in US-China relations — remains uncertain. For now, American users can continue scrolling, but the controversy is far from over.
