On January 19, President Donald Trump signed an executive order postponing the enforcement of a ban on TikTok, granting a 75-day delay. During the signing, Trump suggested that the US government should take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok’s US operations to ensure the app’s survival. He warned that China could face tariffs if it does not approve a deal involving TikTok’s American business. In response, China indicated its willingness to negotiate a deal with the US.
The executive order follows legal maneuvers and political discussions that left many American TikTok users uncertain about the app’s future. Initially, the short-video platform, which has 170 million users in the US, was taken offline when a law mandating its sale due to national security concerns came into effect. However, by the next day, Trump expressed plans to “save TikTok,” prompting the company to restore its services.
Although TikTok’s app and website were functional, the app remained unavailable for download in major app stores like Apple and Google. The legality of Trump’s order is uncertain, as Congress passed a law last year requiring TikTok’s divestiture. Critics argue that Trump’s actions undermine national security legislation. Amid tense US-China relations, Trump suggested that the US could gain significant value from a deal with TikTok and emphasized his belief that China must approve the transaction for it to move forward.
Read also: