TikTok says it is restoring service in US after Trump promises order to delay ban

Incoming president says the app could come under part US-ownership, but TikTok has refused to sell

TikTok's parent company ByteDance has steadfastly refused to sell a stake in the platform. AFP

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TikTok on Sunday said it was restoring service to users in the US after the popular video-sharing platform went dark in response to a federal ban that president-elect Donald Trump said he would try to delay. On X, TikTok thanked Mr Trump for "providing the necessary clarity" to allow it to restore service.

TikTok had closed in the US early on Sunday under a new law banning it in response to national security concerns about how its Chinese owner ByteDance handles data from US users.

“I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

He said he “would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture", adding that the app's value could surge to “hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions".

“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,” Mr Trump wrote.

Shortly after TikTok's announcement, the app remained unavailable on Apple and Google stores.

Departing President Joe Biden's administration said it would leave the matter to Mr Trump – who will be sworn into office on Monday – and that it would not enforce any ban.

The new law includes a clause allowing for a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress towards a viable deal, but so far ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.

President-elect Donald Trump posted this message about TikTok on January 19, 2025. Photo: Screengrab