TikTok announced on Sunday that it is restoring service to U.S. users following a brief suspension the previous evening. The decision came after President-elect Donald Trump provided key assurances to the company’s service providers.
“We are in the process of restoring service and thank President Trump for offering the clarity and assurance needed by our service providers, enabling TikTok to continue serving over 170 million Americans and supporting over 7 million small businesses,” the company said.
Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social, urging that TikTok remain operational to broadcast his inauguration on Monday. He also signalled plans to issue an executive order extending the period before the enforcement of the ban.
TikTok’s availability began to return gradually on Sunday afternoon, initially via web browsers and later through the app itself. Users were greeted with a message thanking them for their patience and support.
However, the app remained unavailable for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play. A law set to take effect on Sunday prohibits TikTok, but it allows a 90-day extension under certain conditions. Signed by President Joe Biden in April, the law mandates that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the app to a non-Chinese buyer.
Although both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration had previously supported a ban, both appeared to have reversed their positions. During his campaign, Trump expressed support for TikTok and promised to keep the app running.
After the law was approved by the Supreme Court, the Biden administration confirmed it would not enforce the ban, leaving that responsibility to Trump. The app was removed from app stores on Saturday evening, and service was suspended for U.S. users.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains unclear. Some Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, have voiced support for the ban or called for a complete divestiture of TikTok from Chinese ownership.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, TikTok has expressed its commitment to working with President Trump on a long-term solution to remain operational in the U.S.
