TikTok Goes Dark in the US, Trump Hints at Possible Reprieve

TikTok ceased operations in the United States late Saturday, disappearing from Apple and Google app stores, as a law banning the app took effect on Sunday. The shutdown affects the app’s 170 million US users.

The ban stems from national security concerns over TikTok’s ties to its China-based parent company, ByteDance. Under a law passed last year and upheld by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling on Friday, TikTok was required to sever ties with ByteDance or shut down its US operations.

Trump Signals Potential Reprieve

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office Monday, suggested the ban might be postponed.

“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC, adding that an official announcement could come Monday.

TikTok acknowledged Trump’s remarks in a message to users late Saturday:

“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.”

Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Capcut and Lemon8, also went offline in the US on Saturday.

Impact on Users and Businesses

The app’s shutdown has left users scrambling for alternatives like RedNote, while rivals Meta and Snap have seen increased interest. Web searches for VPNs spiked as users sought ways to bypass the ban.

Marketing firms and businesses relying on TikTok’s e-commerce arm, TikTok Shop, are facing uncertainty, with some companies implementing contingency plans.

“This is my new home now,” wrote one user on RedNote, using hashtags like #tiktokrefugee.

ByteDance and US Response

The Chinese embassy in Washington condemned the ban, accusing the US of misusing state power. ByteDance, which is about 60% owned by institutional investors, has reportedly held talks about selling TikTok’s US operations.

Media reports have mentioned potential buyers, including Elon Musk, while US search engine startup Perplexity AI submitted a bid to merge with TikTok’s US operations.

TikTok CEO to Attend Inauguration

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and rally on Sunday, signaling a potential thaw in relations.

The ban’s resolution remains uncertain, but Trump’s interest in a “political resolution” offers a glimmer of hope for TikTok’s US user base.