TikTok Returns to U.S. App Stores
TikTok is once again available on Apple and Google’s U.S. app stores after President Donald Trump postponed the enforcement of a ban on the Chinese-owned platform. The popular social media app, which has over 170 million American users, was removed on January 18th in compliance with a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell it or face a ban. Trump later signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension, delaying the ban’s enforcement until April 5th.
What was the reason for the ban?
The ban was originally passed due to national security concerns, with U.S. lawmakers worried that the Chinese government could use TikTok to collect data or manipulate public opinion. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment rights of American users. Beijing has also opposed selling TikTok’s U.S. operations.
TikTok was briefly unavailable for about 14 hours in January, but the app remained functional for users who had already downloaded it. Apple and Google initially hesitated to restore it, even after Trump delayed the ban, but the companies ultimately decided to do so after receiving assurances from the administration that they would not be held liable for allowing downloads.
What is Trump’s stance on TikTok?
Trump’s stance on TikTok has shifted over time. While he supported banning the app during his first term, he changed his mind during his 2024 presidential campaign, referencing the platform’s role in reaching young voters. “TikTok is largely about kids, young kids,” he said in the Oval Office. He also credited the app for helping him win the election.
Trump has floated the idea of TikTok being jointly owned, with a portion of its ownership being American. “What I'm thinking of saying to someone is buy it and give half to the US, half, and we'll give you a permit,” he said. He also suggested that potential buyers could include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison or billionaire Elon Musk. Other interested parties reportedly include Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and YouTuber MrBeast.
TikTok thanked Trump directly in a message to users when the app became available again. The company’s CEO, Shou Chew, even met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his electoral victory and later attended his inauguration ceremony.
Despite the temporary extension, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. If a sale does not go through by April, the app could once again face removal from app stores. Trump’s administration has emphasized that they are seeking a solution that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown.
For now, TikTok users in the U.S. can continue using the app as usual, but whether it remains available in the long term will depend on what happens in the coming months.
