Washington: TikTok, the short-video app used by over 170 million Americans, anticipates relief from an imminent ban under President Donald Trump’s new administration. The app’s status comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions and concerns over national security.
TikTok Taken Offline Amid Ban Deadline
On Saturday, TikTok briefly went offline for U.S. users. This was hours before a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to sell the platform on national security grounds took effect. Officials cited risks of U.S. user data being accessed or misused by the Chinese government.
TikTok regained access on Sunday, citing Trump’s assurances that neither the platform nor its partners would face heavy fines to keep operating. However, as of Monday, TikTok remained unavailable in Apple and Google app stores, likely awaiting clearer legal guidance.
Trump’s Rally and Push for a Solution
Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Trump expressed a commitment to preserving TikTok, describing it as essential.
“Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump stated, hinting at a joint venture as a potential solution.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was among several tech leaders attending Trump’s inauguration. Others included Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, and Google’s Sundar Pichai.
China Signals Openness to a Deal
For the first time, China hinted at a willingness to negotiate TikTok’s U.S. operations. The country’s foreign ministry emphasized its desire for fair treatment of businesses, urging the U.S. to provide a non-discriminatory environment.
“TikTok has operated in the U.S. for years and is deeply loved by American users,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated. “We hope the U.S. listens to reason.”
Trump’s Reversal on TikTok Ban
Trump’s stance on TikTok has evolved since his first term, when he sought to ban it due to security concerns. Now, Trump has praised the app for engaging young voters during the 2024 election, expressing newfound appreciation for its cultural significance.
Musk and Republicans’ Diverging Views
Elon Musk, an advisor and Trump ally, supported saving TikTok but urged the talks to address unequal social media operations between the U.S. and China.
“The imbalance where TikTok works in the U.S., but X is banned in China, must change,” Musk posted.
However, not all Republicans agree with Trump’s efforts. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts argued the law provides no legal basis for a reprieve unless ByteDance severs all ties to China.
Broader Implications for U.S.-China Relations
The debate reflects broader tensions in U.S.-China relations as Trump balances economic confrontation with diplomatic gestures. A potential deal could set the tone for future negotiations over trade and technology policies.
As of now, Trump’s expected executive order offers TikTok a temporary lifeline, but its long-term future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
