TikTok is back online: TikTok restored in the U.S. after temporary ban, and it’s thanks to Trump

After months of legal challenges, TikTok is back online for U.S. users. The app’s restoration comes just hours after President-elect Donald Trump stepped in to prevent it from “going dark.”

The Chinese-owned social media platform confirmed its return in a statement on X, where it also thanked Trump for his efforts to keep the app accessible.

“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” TikTok Policy wrote on X.

“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” the statement added.

STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:

In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170…

— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025

The app had become inaccessible following a federal ban, but Trump announced plans to issue an executive order blocking its enforcement. This move allowed TikTok to resume operations and reassured service providers that they would not face penalties for supporting the platform.

While existing users can now access TikTok, the app remains unavailable for new downloads on major app stores, including the Apple App Store.

Users who reopened the app were greeted with a “Welcome back!” message, acknowledging the efforts behind its return. The message read: “Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US!”

TikTok fans wasted no time celebrating on social media, sharing their excitement about the app’s return. Among them were New Yorkers who expressed both relief and surprise at how quickly the ban was lifted.

“That was fast!” said one user strolling through Central Park.

Emma, a 19-year-old college student visiting from South Carolina, shared her joy. “I was so excited when I saw it was only gone for a short time. I kept trying to click on the app because I missed it so much,” she said, laughing. “I hope it doesn’t go away again.”

The news comes shortly after Trump announced his plans to safeguard TikTok. On Monday, he intends to issue an executive order ensuring the app’s continued operation. He also shared his vision for the U.S. to take a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture to buy the platform.

In a statement on TruthSocial, President-elect Trump said, “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions.”

TikTok’s return marks a significant moment, not only for the platform’s millions of users but also for the businesses that rely on it to connect with their audiences.

You can read the entire statement from President-elect Trump below.

“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.

Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.

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. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions.

Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchaser we so choose.”