Trump Temporarily Halts TikTok Ban, Restores Access Amid Legal Uncertainty

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday temporarily pausing the federal ban on TikTok, restoring access to the popular app for millions of U.S. users. The move comes after TikTok was briefly shut down Sunday following the enactment of a law requiring ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to divest from the app or face a permanent ban.

The executive order directs the Justice Department not to enforce the ban for 75 days, giving the administration time to determine a path forward that balances national security concerns with the app’s widespread popularity. “We have to save it,” Trump said Sunday, emphasizing his desire to protect TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users and the 7 million small businesses that rely on the platform.

TikTok restored access to U.S. users Sunday afternoon, crediting Trump’s efforts even before he officially took office. However, the app remains unavailable for download or updates on Apple and Google’s app stores, leaving its long-term future uncertain. Legal experts warn that companies like Apple and Google could face significant liability if they restore TikTok without ByteDance divesting.

Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, noted that Trump’s assurances offer “minimal security” for companies. “Trump could change his mind at any time,” Rozenshtein wrote for Lawfare, adding that the law’s five-year statute of limitations means future administrations could still pursue violations.

ByteDance has not publicly indicated a willingness to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets, a move TikTok has previously argued is logistically unfeasible. Trump has proposed a 50% U.S. ownership stake in TikTok’s operations, threatening tariffs on Chinese imports if China blocks a potential deal. “We’ll put tariffs of 25, 30, 50%, even 100%,” Trump said Monday.

China’s foreign ministry responded by urging the U.S. to provide a “fair and non-discriminatory” business environment. “TikTok has operated in the U.S. for many years and is deeply loved by American users,” spokesperson Mao Ning said.

The federal ban, enacted with bipartisan support, cites national security concerns over ByteDance’s Chinese ownership. TikTok has repeatedly denied sharing user data with the Chinese government, but concerns persist. The app’s future remains in limbo as legal and political battles continue.