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TRUMP TOK - During his first presidency, Donald Trump led efforts to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns over its ties to China. However, on the eve of his return to the White House, the president-elect is being celebrated as the platform’s unlikely savior.
After the app went offline this weekend, Trump announced on his social media platform that he would issue an executive order delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban once he is sworn in on Monday. The move, he said, would allow time to “negotiate a deal that protects our national security.” Hours later, TikTok was restored, delighting its millions of users.
“Thanks for your patience and support. TikTok is back in the U.S. thanks to President Trump’s efforts!” read an official announcement from the company.
The legal authority behind Trump’s decision to bypass a bipartisan law banning TikTok, which was upheld by the Supreme Court just days earlier, remains unclear. Still, the rapid developments underscore how much debates around social media, technology, and national security have evolved since Trump’s first term. The move also highlights how Trump has embraced the shifting digital landscape, using social media platforms to energize his base during his 2024 campaign.
Trump is now positioned to take credit for reviving TikTok, which boasts 170 million U.S. users, many of them young voters who use the app for news, entertainment, and income. Experts suggest the platform’s popularity could yield political benefits for Trump while giving him leverage over TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance.
“This situation is a win-win for Trump,” said China expert Bill Bishop. “If TikTok remains banned, he can blame the outgoing administration. If it stays, he’s the hero—and the platform is incentivized to favor him.”
TikTok’s reemergence follows significant outreach by tech companies and executives seeking Trump’s favor. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and other tech leaders have been meeting with Trump or pledging support for his second administration, including donations to his inaugural fund. Analysts anticipate that Trump’s administration will take a friendlier approach to tech mergers and antitrust enforcement, creating an environment more favorable to Silicon Valley giants.
TikTok, too, sought to strengthen ties with Trump. CEO Shou Chew met with him at Mar-a-Lago in December and praised Trump’s leadership in a public statement after the app was restored. "We are grateful for President Trump’s commitment to finding a solution," said Chew.
Trump’s announcement marks a sharp reversal from his first term, when he sought to ban TikTok entirely. During his 2024 campaign, however, he embraced the platform, joining it himself and amassing a following of nearly 15 million users. Trump credited TikTok for helping him win over young voters and acknowledged its political value.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said during a December press conference. “It made a difference.”
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, legal experts question the feasibility of his plans. Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, noted that an executive order cannot override a law passed by Congress. “This approach will likely face significant legal challenges,” she said.
Sen. Tom Cotton, a leading voice on national security, also criticized the move, warning of potential liabilities for companies associated with TikTok. “This is a dangerous precedent,” he wrote on social media.
Trump, however, remains optimistic about his ability to broker a deal. In a rally on Sunday, he reiterated his commitment to keeping TikTok available in the U.S. “As of today, TikTok is back,” he told the crowd. “We had to save it—and we did.”
(James Frederick is a frequent contributor to CityWatchLA.)
