President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that temporarily halts the enforcement of a federal ban on TikTok, injecting uncertainty into the future of the popular video-sharing app. While TikTok resumed operations after a brief shutdown, the app remains absent from Apple and Google app stores, leaving millions of users unable to download updates or new versions. Trump's move, a significant departure from his earlier efforts to ban TikTok during his first term, underscores his evolving stance on the platform.
The federal ban, enacted under the Biden administration and upheld by the Supreme Court, required ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. The law took effect Sunday, forcing TikTok offline for more than 12 hours. Trump's executive order delays enforcement of the ban for 75 days, aiming to provide time for his administration to determine "the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown."
Despite the reprieve, major app store operators Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok or other ByteDance-owned apps. A search for TikTok in either store yields no results, with Apple citing legal obligations under U.S. law. Legal experts have warned that companies reinstating TikTok risk legal liabilities, even with Trump's temporary pause. Alan Rozenshtein, a University of Minnesota law professor, noted that Trump's assurances offer limited protection, stating, He "could change his mind at any time or selectively enforce against companies that fall from political favor."
Trump's order places additional pressure on ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. assets. The Chinese company has repeatedly resisted such a move, arguing it would be logistically unfeasible. However, Trump has signaled interest in facilitating a sale, suggesting the U.S. should receive a 50% stake in TikTok's U.S. operations as part of any deal. Speaking to reporters, Trump hinted at discussions with prominent business figures, stating, "Every rich person has called me about TikTok."
China's position on the matter appears to be softening. Reports indicate that Chinese officials held discussions with U.S. counterparts, including Vice President JD Vance, over the weekend, signaling potential openness to a sale. However, Beijing has not confirmed any change in its stance, leaving the situation fluid.
The stakes for companies involved in TikTok's operations are significant. Violations of the ban could result in fines of up to $5,000 per user, with TikTok claiming over 170 million U.S. users. Oracle and Akamai, which helped restore TikTok's service before Trump's inauguration, face potential legal exposure should the ban be enforced retroactively.
Trump's evolving position on TikTok contrasts sharply with his first term, when he issued an executive order to ban the app entirely. That move was later overturned in court. Now, Trump has described TikTok as having "big value" and suggested leveraging its popularity to strengthen U.S. interests. Critics argue that his stance is influenced by his growing presence on the platform, which he credited for helping him connect with younger voters during his campaign.
The bipartisan support for the original ban was driven by concerns over ByteDance's Chinese ownership and the potential for data misuse. Lawmakers cited reports of TikTok promoting Chinese propaganda, mishandling user data, and engaging in surveillance activities. While TikTok has consistently denied these allegations, the scrutiny has added to its challenges in navigating the U.S. regulatory landscape.