TikTok Goes Dark in the US Ahead of Ban, Trump Hints at Possible Reprieve

Washington, D.C. – Popular short-form video platform TikTok went offline across the United States late Saturday night, just before a federal ban was set to take effect. Users attempting to access the app were met with a message stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The ban follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April. The law prevents US-based companies from hosting or distributing content for TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, unless it is sold to a US-owned or allied entity.

Despite the ban, TikTok signaled a potential return, possibly as early as Monday, as former President and President-elect Donald Trump has suggested he may delay the enforcement of the ban for 90 days upon taking office. In a recent interview, Trump acknowledged that a temporary extension was under consideration, adding that he would announce a final decision on Monday, the day of his inauguration.

“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News. “We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation.”

The enforcement of the ban led to TikTok’s removal from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. Other ByteDance applications, including CapCut, also displayed similar messages restricting access.

The ban stems from longstanding concerns within the US government about TikTok’s data security and its ties to China, raising fears over potential access to American users’ personal information. Many TikTok users, including content creators and small business owners who rely on the platform, expressed disappointment but remain hopeful for a resolution.

With limited legal options remaining, TikTok’s future in the US now largely depends on the incoming Trump administration. The former president, who had previously called for the app’s ban during his first term, now appears to be reconsidering his stance. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reportedly met with Trump in recent weeks and is expected to attend his inauguration.

Under the existing legislation, the US president has the authority to postpone the ban for 90 days if there is substantial progress toward selling TikTok to a US-based company. Whether the extension will be granted remains uncertain, but all eyes are now on Trump’s first official moves after returning to the White House.

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