TikTok comes back online after Trump’s intervention

TikTok comes back online to service its 170 million users in the US after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order to give the app a reprieve when he takes office today, January 20th, 2025.

On Saturday evening, January 18th, 2025, the Chinese-owned app stopped working for American users, after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect.

Trump, who had previously started the ban on the platform, promised on Sunday to delay the law’s implementation and allow more time for a deal.

Soon after, the app started working again and a popup message to its millions of users thanked Trump for his intervention.

In a statement, the company thanked the incoming president for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance” and said it would work with Trump “on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States”. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration today.

During his Historic Victory Rally on Sunday, the Eve of His Inauguration Trump said, “As of Today, TikTok Is Back!”

He earlier said on social media “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”

It is unclear what legal authority Trump will have to delay the implementation of a law that is already in effect. But it is expected that his government will not enforce the ban if he issues an executive order.

This news has brought a lot of celebration to Americans since a lot of them were not in support of the ban in the first place.

Read also: TikTok ceases U.S. operations as Government mandates enforcement