TikTok Has Restored Services in the US After a 14-hour Ban - Thanks to Trump?

For a brief moment, TikTok was gone from the United States. The app vanished from Apple and Google app stores, users were locked out, and millions feared their favorite platform had been wiped away for good.

Influencers were feeling helpless and sad, some even angry that they had to say their goodbyes to their respective communities they had built over the years.

The 'sorry' message displayed on the app for American users trying to access TikTok after the ban. Reuters.

The ban, upheld by the Supreme Court, was meant to address national security concerns over ByteDance’s ownership and alleged ties to China.

But just as quickly as TikTok disappeared, it started making a dramatic return. And the person taking credit? Donald Trump.

Trump Takes the Lead in "Saving" TikTok

At a rally on Sunday, Trump announced that reviving TikTok was a priority, saying, "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it." Hours later, TikTok confirmed the news, telling U.S. users that the app was back thanks to Trump’s intervention.

A 'welcome back' message was displayed thanking President Trump after the app was restored. Reuters.

"As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.," read a notification sent to users. TikTok also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), repeatedly mentioning Trump’s role in restoring the app and thanking him for providing "clarity and assurance" that the platform wouldn’t face further penalties.

While TikTok’s comeback was a relief for millions, some couldn’t help but feel that the messaging around it was a little... off.

Reactions on X to TikTok's statement. Tristan Tate, Andrew Tate's brother also reacts.

Was TikTok’s Shutdown and Return a Political Stunt?

The constant praise for Trump in TikTok’s official messaging immediately raised eyebrows. While it’s true that Trump opposed banning TikTok at this stage, many questioned whether the app was now being used as a PR tool to boost his image.

Even James Charles, a well-known beauty influencer and outspoken Trump critic, reacted to the news with disbelief. He posted an Instagram video dramatically "crashing out" over TikTok’s return and jokingly wondering if he now had to root for Trump.

This kind of reaction only fueled speculation that TikTok’s entire shutdown and revival may have been more about politics than national security.

Why the TikTok Ban Was Such a Big Deal for Americans

For millions of Americans, this ban wasn’t just about losing a social media platform—it was about losing control over their digital freedom.

The U.S. had never banned a major social media platform before, and seeing TikTok disappear in real-time felt like their rights were slipping away. TikTok wasn’t just a fun app—it was a career for many, a news source, and a creative outlet for nearly 170 million users in the country.

A woman shows her TikTok feed in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, US, January 17, 2025. Reuters

If the government could ban TikTok today, what’s next?

The fear of growing state control over digital spaces made the TikTok ban a larger issue than just one app disappearing. The surge in searches for VPNs right after the ban showed that users were desperate to hold onto their online autonomy, even if it meant breaking the rules.

The Political Battle Over TikTok Is Far From Over

Trump’s decision to restore TikTok marked a dramatic shift from his 2020 stance, where he tried to ban the app over concerns that ByteDance was spying on Americans.

Now, he’s defending TikTok and even suggesting that the U.S. take a 50% stake in the company to maintain control.

But not everyone in Trump’s party agrees. Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts blasted the move, saying that TikTok’s return violates the law unless ByteDance completely severs ties with China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of using state power to suppress a foreign company, warning that China would take "all necessary measures" to protect its businesses.

Even with TikTok back, the battle isn’t over. Other ByteDance-owned apps like CapCut and Lemon8 remain offline in the U.S., and debates over foreign-owned platforms and data security are far from settled.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is even planning to attend Trump’s inauguration, which will likely raise even more questions about the app’s political ties.

Whether TikTok’s sudden return was a strategic move or just a lucky break, one thing is clear—Trump has successfully positioned himself as the hero of TikTok users in the U.S. And in an election year, that’s a powerful narrative to have.