Donald Trump, once a staunch opponent of TikTok, has taken an unexpected stance by positioning himself as the app’s savior on the eve of his return to the White House. Over the weekend, the video-sharing platform, with 170 million U.S. users, briefly went offline due to a federal law mandating its divestiture from Chinese parent company ByteDance. Hours later, Trump announced his intention to delay enforcement of the law through an executive order once sworn in as president.
Trump’s announcement, shared on his social media platform, promised a solution to protect national security while keeping the app available. His statement sparked celebrations among TikTok users, who rely on the platform for entertainment, income, and news. By Sunday evening, the app was operational again, with a public message attributing its return to Trump’s efforts.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: TRUMP: SAVE TIKTOK!
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 19, 2025
Source: Truth Social pic.twitter.com/f7QDNKF1CH
This shift is a stark departure from Trump’s earlier efforts to ban TikTok during his first term, when he cited national security concerns over its ties to China. Analysts suggest Trump’s changing stance reflects both evolving debates around tech regulation and his campaign strategy to win over young voters, many of whom spend hours on TikTok daily.
Critics, however, have questioned the legality of Trump’s proposed executive order, pointing out that such action cannot override federal law. Legal experts noted that Congress passed the legislation with bipartisan support, and its enforcement was upheld by the Supreme Court. They also highlighted ByteDance’s lack of meaningful progress toward divestiture, calling Trump’s proposal to establish a joint U.S. ownership structure vague and legally questionable.
In a response video, TikTok CEO Shou Chew praised Trump for his commitment to keeping the platform accessible. The gesture was part of broader efforts by major tech companies to strengthen ties with the incoming administration. Executives from Meta, Amazon, and other firms have pledged millions to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling hopes for a more lenient regulatory climate under his leadership.
While some applaud Trump’s intervention as a win for free expression and tech innovation, critics warn that his actions may sidestep legal frameworks and leave unresolved questions about data privacy and foreign influence.
