In a dramatic twist, just hours after the TikTok ban took effect, President-elect Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, unveiled a bold new plan that could reshape the platform’s future in the United States. Through a post on his Truth Social account on January 19, Trump announced his intent to issue an executive order on his first day in office to extend the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its U.S. operations.
From Ban to Business Venture
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” Trump declared. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
Trump’s plan goes beyond merely extending the deadline—it proposes a deal in which U.S. companies would take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok’s U.S. operations. This, according to Trump, would safeguard the app while ensuring that control and security remain in American hands.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok,” he added.
TikTok Begins Restoration Amidst Relief
Following Trump’s announcement, TikTok wasted no time in responding. The company issued a statement expressing gratitude and confirming its efforts to restore services in the U.S.
“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 statement read.
As the app began to come back online, users across the country celebrated the unexpected reprieve. Many reported regaining access to their accounts and returning to the platform, which boasts a massive U.S. user base of approximately 170 million people.
A Sudden Change of Heart?
Trump’s move to save TikTok marks a stark reversal of his previous efforts to ban the app during his presidency. Back then, he cited national security concerns over data collection by ByteDance and issued an executive order to block the platform. However, the initiative faced significant legal pushback, with a federal judge blocking the ban on the grounds that it could infringe upon free speech.
The decision to reverse his stance now has been widely interpreted as a calculated political move. TikTok’s immense popularity among young voters—many of whom played a crucial role in Trump’s recent election campaign—may have influenced his decision. By facilitating the app’s continued operation, Trump appears to be courting favor with the platform’s vast user base while ensuring it aligns with his national security priorities.
The Road Ahead for TikTok in the U.S.
Trump’s proposed plan offers a unique solution to the contentious debate surrounding TikTok. By involving American companies in a joint venture, he aims to strike a balance between national security concerns and the app’s undeniable cultural and economic impact.
As TikTok resumes its services and the U.S. government gears up for negotiations, all eyes are on Trump’s administration to see whether this move will pave the way for a new era of cooperation—or spark further controversy. One thing is clear: TikTok’s story in the U.S. is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be just as unpredictable as the last.
