Trump Moves to Save TikTok in US Amid National Security Concerns and Legal Challenges

Trump Moves to Save TikTok in US Amid National Security Concerns and Legal Challenges

Key Points

  • TikTok services began restoration after Trump pledged to revive the app upon taking office.
  • Trump proposed a U.S.-owned joint venture to address national security concerns.
  • Republican senators demanded ByteDance sever all ties with China to comply with U.S. law.
  • Potential buyers, including Perplexity AI, have expressed interest in TikTok U.S. operations and rumors of interest from Elon Musk.

TikTok began restoring services in the U.S. on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revive the app’s access upon his return to power on Monday. Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump emphasized the importance of saving the platform, which serves over 170 million American users and supports over 7 million small businesses. Hours before the announcement, TikTok confirmed efforts to restore services, thanking Trump for providing clarity and assurance to service providers.

The platform had gone offline late Saturday as a law prohibiting its operation on national security grounds took effect. U.S. officials cited risks related to data misuse by ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company. In response, Trump stated he would extend the ban’s implementation period to negotiate a solution that protects national security, proposing a joint venture in which the U.S. would hold a 50% ownership stake.

Trump’s intervention marks a stark reversal from his first term, during which he pushed to ban TikTok over privacy concerns. He credits the app with helping him connect with younger voters during his 2024 campaign. Despite Trump’s assurances, Republican senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts criticized the move, arguing that ByteDance must fully sever ties with China to comply with U.S. law.

The situation reflects broader tensions in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing condemning the ban as an abuse of state power. Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, signaling collaboration amid ongoing negotiations.

Efforts to restore the platform include bids from potential suitors like Perplexity AI and rumors of interest from Elon Musk, though TikTok denies such claims. The app’s sudden shutdown also caused disruptions for e-commerce and marketing firms, with a spike in VPN searches as users sought alternative access. While the long-term future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, Trump’s support provides a temporary lifeline for the app and its users.

EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITORIAL TEAM
TechGolly editorial team led by Al Mahmud Al Mamun. He worked as an Editor-in-Chief at a world-leading professional research Magazine. Rasel Hossain and Enamul Kabir are supporting as Managing Editor. Our team is intercorporate with technologists, researchers, and technology writers. We have substantial knowledge and background in Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Embedded Technology.

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