TikTok Returns to US App Stores After Trump Intervention
TikTok resumed service on US app stores Thursday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying a nationwide ban, marking a dramatic shift in the social media platform’s status.
The Chinese-owned app, used by 170 million Americans, temporarily disappeared from Google Play and Apple’s App Store last month before Trump intervened. His order gives parent company ByteDance until April 5 to secure a US-based buyer or face a complete ban.
Trump, in his first term, wanted to block TikTok over national security concerns. He has since had a change of heart because of his growing influence on the platform, with a following of nearly 15 million users. He claimed in December that he has a “warm spot” in his heart for the platform because he “won youth by 34 points” and that “there are those that say TikTok had something to do with that.”
Election data shows former Vice President Kamala Harris led young voters 52% to 48%.
The app faces pressure from legislation Biden signed requiring Chinese tech companies to sell their US operations or face restrictions. This law grants federal authorities unprecedented control over foreign-owned social media platforms.
Analysts estimate the US operations pricetag to be at $50 billion. Potential buyers include former LA Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, YouTuber MrBeast, billionaire Kevin O’Leary, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.
Related: Is MrBeast Buying TikTok?
Elon Musk, owner of X and rising star of the Oval Office, has rejected claims that he’s also interested in buying the platform.
Trump may extend the April deadline further, with final decisions expected next month.
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