Trump Promises to Revive TikTok in the US with a Deal to Protect National Security
President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to bring TikTok back to the United States through an executive order after his inauguration on Monday. He proposed a deal requiring at least 50% ownership of the app by U.S. investors to address national security concerns.
Meenu Rapria 
TikTok, which stopped working for its 170 million American users on Saturday, was banned due to fears that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could misuse Americans' data. Trump said he would temporarily extend the deadline for the ban to negotiate a solution.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up,” Trump shared on Truth Social.
TikTok’s Shutdown Shocks Millions
The ban left millions of TikTok users in the U.S. scrambling for alternatives. Many users, businesses, and influencers rely on the app for their livelihood and connections. TikTok issued a statement acknowledging the situation and expressed hope for a resolution under Trump’s administration.
“This is my new home now,” wrote one user on the Chinese-based app RedNote, as people sought alternative platforms. On social media, hashtags like “#TikTokRefugee” and “#Sad” trended as users expressed their disappointment.
A Potential Comeback Under Trump
Trump assured users that a solution is in progress and hinted at a 90-day reprieve for the app after his swearing-in. Reports suggest TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration and rally on Sunday, signaling ongoing discussions to restore the app.
There are also rumors of interest from potential buyers, including billionaire Elon Musk and other investors, to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. A U.S. startup, Perplexity AI, has reportedly submitted a bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. division and create a new entity.
Impact on Social Media and U.S.-China Relations
This unprecedented ban of a major social media platform has raised tensions between the U.S. and China. Beijing condemned the move as an abuse of power, while U.S. rivals like Meta and Snap saw stock gains as users explored other options.
While the future of TikTok remains uncertain, Trump’s vow to bring the app back offers hope to millions of American users.
