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"TikTok Shutdown in the U.S.: How Trump’s Intervention Saved the Platform Amid National Security Concerns"

Writer's picture: Jay-Darian MendozaJay-Darian Mendoza

TikTok in the U.S.: A Dramatic Turn of Events

TikTok, the wildly popular social media app, faced an unprecedented temporary shutdown in the United States before beginning to restore service to its millions of users. The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, went dark for less than a day after the Supreme Court upheld a controversial law mandating its divestiture. Here’s how the situation unfolded and what it means moving forward.






A Temporary Shutdown

On January 19, 2025, TikTok voluntarily shut down its service in the U.S. just hours before a deadline that would have barred it from app stores and hosting services. This move came after the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a divest-or-ban law targeting ByteDance’s ownership of the app. The law, passed by Congress in 2024, cited national security concerns over TikTok’s data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government.

For TikTok’s 170 million American users, the app’s sudden unavailability was jarring. When users opened the app late Saturday night, they were met with a somber message: "Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now." Despite the temporary shutdown, TikTok remained accessible to international users, underscoring the targeted nature of the U.S. law.





Trump Steps In

President-elect Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, vowed to intervene. On Sunday, Trump announced his intention to issue an executive order on his first day in office, pausing the law’s enforcement and providing a reprieve for TikTok. He expressed a willingness to work toward a solution that would keep the app operational in the U.S. while addressing security concerns.

"Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations," Trump said. He also floated the idea of a joint venture where the U.S. government could hold a 50% stake in TikTok to ensure it operates securely.


TikTok’s Perspective

In a statement, TikTok thanked Trump for providing "necessary clarity and assurance" to its service providers, ensuring they would not face penalties for supporting the app. TikTok emphasized its commitment to free speech and opposed what it called "arbitrary censorship."

CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed optimism about the app’s future, praising Trump’s efforts to find a long-term solution that balances national security concerns with the app’s widespread popularity.


Legal and Technical Challenges

The law’s requirements for ByteDance to divest from TikTok pose significant hurdles. During Supreme Court arguments, TikTok’s legal team highlighted the complexity of selling the app’s algorithm, a key component of its success. ByteDance argued that divestiture would render the platform fundamentally different and warned that a partial sale without the algorithm would isolate American users from global content.


Despite TikTok’s objections, the Supreme Court upheld the law, citing national security risks associated with the Chinese government’s ability to access user data under Chinese law. The bipartisan legislation reflects growing concerns in the U.S. over foreign influence in digital platforms.



What’s Next for TikTok?

While TikTok has begun restoring service in the U.S., its future remains uncertain. Trump’s planned executive order could extend the deadline for compliance, but the underlying law—and its penalties for companies that violate it—remains in effect. This leaves app stores and hosting providers vulnerable to potential fines if the law is not ultimately overturned or amended.

Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, indicated that the incoming administration is open to negotiations with ByteDance and the Chinese government to find a sustainable solution. However, the path forward is fraught with political and technical challenges.


A Battle Over Data and Expression

TikTok’s struggle in the U.S. highlights broader tensions between national security and digital expression. The app has become a cultural phenomenon, providing a platform for creativity, communication, and community. For its millions of American users and over seven million small businesses that rely on the platform, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As the Biden administration transitions to Trump’s leadership, all eyes will be on how the new president navigates this contentious issue. Will TikTok remain a staple of American digital life, or will it be fundamentally reshaped? One thing is certain: this is a story that’s far from over.

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