TikTok started restoring service in the United States on Sunday, January 19, after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to restore access to the platform. In a message to users, TikTok thanked Trump, who will officially take office on Monday, January 20.

"In consultation with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assuring our service providers that they will not be subject to any sanctions," the statement said.

  • TikTok also said it would work with President Trump on a long-term solution that would keep TikTok in the United States.
  • Despite this, the app remains unavailable for download in the Apple and Google stores inside the US.
  • Speaking at a rally before his inauguration, Trump said: "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save TikTok."
  • He added that the United States plans to form a joint venture with the old or new owners of the Chinese social network to restore the platform. Earlier, media reported that Chinese officials were considering selling the American unit of TikTok to Elon Musk, one of Trump's closest allies.
  • "I want the United States to own 50% of the shares in the joint venture," he said during the rally.
  • Trump said his order would clarify that there would be no liability for any company that helped prevent TikTok from being shut down before his order.
  • Trump previously said he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after taking office.

Trump's decision to save TikTok is a reversal of his stance since his first term in office. In 2020, he had considered banning the app over concerns that the company was sharing Americans' personal information with the Chinese government.

TikTok was shut down for users in the United States late Saturday, ahead of a law that requires the platform to be shut down on national security grounds. U.S. policymakers have raised concerns about TikTok's security for years, as Chinese companies are required to comply with Chinese government demands, including data transfers.