TikTok was accessible to some US users on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying a federal ban on the platform.
The ban, originally set to take effect that day, was tied to the failure of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app to a non-Chinese entity.
In a statement on X, TikTok confirmed that it was working to restore access for American users. “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” the company wrote.
“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 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
The company described the move as a victory for free expression.
“This decision is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,” TikTok added. It also pledged to collaborate with the incoming administration on a “long-term solution” to maintain its U.S. operations.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump addressed the issue on Truth Social, urging companies to support TikTok’s continued operation.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” he wrote, adding that an executive order would follow his Monday inauguration to extend the timeline for compliance.
Trump wrote:
“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. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.”
The TikTok ban still looms
TikTok had been shut down for US users late Saturday night and removed from Apple and Google app stores. However, some users reported being able to access the platform on Sunday through mobile apps and desktops.
The law banning TikTok, upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, prohibits internet service providers, including Apple and Google, from supporting the app.
Trump’s intervention temporarily shields service providers from penalties, but TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain.
Trump has advocated for a US-controlled joint venture in which a US entity would hold a 50% stake in TikTok to secure its operations domestically.
However, ByteDance has maintained that it has no plans to sell the company.
While TikTok has temporarily avoided a full shutdown, the broader issues surrounding its ownership and compliance with US laws remain unresolved.
TikTok’s potential buyers
Several parties, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s rapidly growing business in the US, which analysts suggest could be valued at up to $50 billion.
Reports have also indicated that Beijing has explored the possibility of selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a Trump ally, though the company has denied such discussions.
Additionally, US-based Perplexity AI reportedly submitted a bid to ByteDance, proposing a merger with TikTok U.S. to create a new entity through a combination with other partners.
ByteDance, which is privately held, is primarily owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, holding 60% of the company, while the founders and employees each own 20%. The company employs over 7,000 people in the U.S.
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