TikTok Returns to US App Stores After Trump Delays Ban Enforcement
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - TikTok is once again available for download on Apple and Google app stores in the United States after President Donald Trump postponed enforcement of a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform until April 5.
The app, which boasts over 170 million US users, was briefly removed last month as the initial ban deadline approached. Trump later issued an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring its sale to a neutral party or face prohibition.
TikTok has not yet responded to a request for comment from BBC News.
According to Bloomberg, which first reported the platform’s return to app stores, Apple and Google resumed offering TikTok after receiving assurances from the Trump administration that they would not be held liable for allowing downloads and that the ban would not be enforced immediately.
The law, passed with bipartisan support in Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden, mandates that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest its US operations to avoid a complete ban. The Biden administration had argued that the app could serve as a tool for Chinese espionage and political manipulation, claims that both TikTok and the Chinese government have repeatedly denied. Beijing has also previously dismissed calls for the sale of TikTok’s US business.
The legislation received backing from lawmakers across party lines and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court.
Trump, who had previously supported banning TikTok during his first term, appeared to soften his stance last year during the presidential race. He expressed a “warm spot” for the app, citing the billions of views his campaign videos garnered. When TikTok became accessible in the US again last month, a pop-up message acknowledged Trump by name, thanking him.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago following his electoral victory in November and later attended his inauguration. Trump has since suggested finding a compromise that aligns with the law’s intent rather than its exact wording, even proposing joint ownership of TikTok.
“What I'm thinking of saying to someone is buy it and give half to the US, half, and we’ll give you a permit,” Trump said recently at a press conference on artificial intelligence.
He also indicated openness to selling the platform to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison or billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Other potential buyers include billionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank. YouTube’s most-subscribed creator, Jimmy Donaldson—better known as MrBeast—has also claimed interest, stating that multiple investors approached him after he posted on social media about the possibility.
