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The popular social media platform TikTok narrowly avoided a complete US shutdown this weekend after President-elect Donald Trump stepped in to prevent the app’s closure.
Late Saturday night, TikTok went offline for its 170 million US users following a Supreme Court ruling that threatened the app’s operations. The platform faced potential elimination due to national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance.
Users initially encountered a blocklage message indicating the app could no longer be used in the United States. Google and Apple had already removed TikTok from their app stores in compliance with the new law.
In a critical move, Trump posted on Truth Social, promising an executive order to delay the app’s ban. He proposed a unique solution: a 50% joint venture between TikTok and a US entity, potentially preserving the platform’s future.
By Sunday afternoon, TikTok began restoring its services. The company expressed gratitude to Trump, stating he provided “necessary clarity and assurances” to service providers.
“We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” the company said in a statement.
However, challenges remain. The app is still unavailable for download on major app stores, and its long-term status continues to be uncertain.
The White House previously dismissed TikTok’s shutdown threat as a “stunt,” leaving the ultimate resolution to the incoming administration.
As the situation develops, millions of users and content creators await a definitive resolution to the platform’s future in the United States.
