TikTok Ban
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is “most likely” to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avert a potential ban after he assumes office on Monday. His remarks come as the popular app, boasting 170 million American users, faces shutdown threats under a ban set to take effect Sunday.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC, adding that he may officially announce the decision on Monday.
As of late Saturday, users logging into TikTok encountered a warning message stating that legal requirements might temporarily disrupt the app’s availability. TikTok assured users it is working to restore service in the U.S. swiftly.
The app, owned by China-based ByteDance, has become a cultural phenomenon and a crucial tool for small businesses. However, it is under scrutiny due to national security concerns.
A law passed last year, upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court decision, requires TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance or cease U.S. operations.
The Biden administration has signaled that any action now lies with the incoming government, increasing the likelihood of the app’s suspension. “We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday,” stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Users, meanwhile, prepared for a potential farewell. Many took to the app to share their final messages, with some influencers questioning the exact timeline of the ban. Reports indicate Oracle, TikTok’s cloud service provider, is ready to shut down servers hosting U.S. TikTok data if the ban is enforced.
Legal experts have noted that without a formal delay, companies offering services to TikTok, including Apple and Google, could face significant liability. Trump may also direct the Justice Department to deprioritize enforcement, though it is unclear if this would provide sufficient legal protection.
As users consider alternatives like RedNote, TikTok’s rivals, including Meta and Snap, have seen an uptick in user activity and investor interest. Meanwhile, potential buyers such as Elon Musk and former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have reportedly explored acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
ByteDance has more than 7,000 U.S.-based employees and is 60% owned by institutional investors. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the presidential inauguration and a rally with Trump on Sunday, signaling hopes for a resolution to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the app.
