TikTok has resumed operations in the United States, just 12 hours after the app became inaccessible to users, following a pledge by President-elect Donald Trump to restore the popular platform.
The app, which boasts 170 million American users, attributed its swift return to Trump’s efforts.
Users were greeted with a notification upon the app’s restoration that read: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
The shutdown had left many users unable to access the app on Saturday night, with a message informing them of a newly enacted law banning TikTok.
The platform’s parent company, ByteDance, also saw two of its other apps, Lemon8 and CapCut, removed from the Apple and Google Play stores.
Trump announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday, following his inauguration, to delay enforcement of the ban. Shortly after, TikTok began restoring access, allowing millions of users to regain entry to the app and its webpage.
TikTok, in a statement, credited Trump’s intervention for the move: “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 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
The company further committed to working with Trump on a long-term solution that ensures its continued presence in the United States.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is set to attend Trump’s “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” in Washington, DC, on Sunday evening and will be a notable attendee at the inauguration on Monday.
However, the app’s future remains uncertain. Trump has proposed a 90-day extension to negotiate a solution that addresses national security concerns. His proposed framework includes a 50-50 joint venture between ByteDance and a new American owner
