President-elect Donald Trump speaking at a microphone.
Share and Follow

TIKTOK’s 170 million U.S. users might get a lifeline as Donald Trump said he is likely to grant the app a 90-day reprieve from a looming ban.

The wildly popular platform is facing shutdown Sunday unless drastic measures are taken to address national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.

President-elect Donald Trump speaking at a microphone.

President-elect Donald Trump could give a lifeline to TikTok users and creators in AmericaCredit: AP
Photo illustration of a smartphone displaying the TikTok logo against a blurred US flag.

The popular video platform is facing being banned and shut down in the U.SCredit: Getty
Protestors holding a "Keep TikTok" sign outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments in *TikTok v. Merrick Garland*.

Demonstrators outside the Supreme Court as the justices heard TikTok’s legal team’s arguments about the Biden administration’s law banning the appCredit: EPA

But Trump might offer some hope to the short video app once he is sworn in on Monday.

The president-elect has also hinted at a “political resolution” and even urged the Supreme Court last month to pause the ban’s implementation.

“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC in a Saturday interview.

“If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”

TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has been walking a legal tightrope since a law passed last year required the app to sever ties with its parent company or shut down operations in the U.S.

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban on Friday, leaving the app’s future hanging by a thread.

The White House, meanwhile, dismissed TikTok’s Friday plea for assurances as a “stunt.”

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated Saturday that it’s up to the incoming Trump administration to act.

Supreme Court’s TikTok ban decision revealed as users rush to alternatives Clapper & RedNote after Elon Musk’s hail mary

“We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday,” she said in a statement.

TikTok declined to comment on the new White House remarks, while the Chinese embassy in Washington called the ban an abuse of state power.

“China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” a spokesperson declared Friday.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is reportedly attending Trump’s inauguration Monday, sitting among high-profile guests.

Meanwhile, potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, are circling the $50 billion-valued platform.

Media reports suggest Beijing has discussed selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk, though the company has denied those claims.

Shou Zi Chew, TikTok CEO, testifying before Congress.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is reportedly attending Trump’s inauguration on MondayCredit: AFP
Illustration of Donald Trump's TikTok profile.

Trump said he is likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban once he is sworn inCredit: Rex

USERS SCRAMBLE AS BAN LOOMS

TikTokers and users are for now bracing for the worst, with farewell videos flooding the platform.

“Does anyone know if the TikTok ban goes into effect on Sunday or if we have all of Sunday to like brain rot still? I need to plan accordingly,” fitness influencer Britany Williams joked to her 64,000 followers.

Others are seeking alternatives, with apps like RedNote seeing a surge in downloads.

Rival platforms Meta and Snap are also capitalizing on the chaos, their stocks climbing as investors bet on an influx of users and ad revenue.

Marketing firms reliant on TikTok are scrambling, describing the past week as a “hair on fire” moment as they prepare contingency plans.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Unpacking the Democratic Dilemma: The Impact of Welfare State Policies and Identity Politics

Julian Epstein, who once served as the chief counsel for the Democratic…

Trump Initiates Impactful Military Operation Against ISIS in Nigeria, Vows Continued Action If Threats Persist

Donald Trump has declared a “powerful and deadly” assault on ISIS militants…

Tucker Carlson Sparks Major Rift with Republican Leaders in Intense Dispute

Tucker Carlson has dismissed concerns from a prominent Republican who criticized his…

Explosive Showdown: Megyn Kelly Unleashes on Former Fox News Co-Star Amidst MAGA Religious Rift

Megyn Kelly has come out strongly against former Fox News colleague Mark…

Viral Biden Family Christmas Photo Sparks Buzz Over Joe’s Portrayal

On Christmas Eve, a photo of Joe Biden’s family was shared…

From HOA Headaches to Holiday Hero: How One Man’s Christmas Light Battle Turned Into a Festive Payday

If the name Clark Griswold doesn’t ring a bell, it’s time…

Former Bush Official Cautions Pritzker: SCOTUS National Guard Ruling Could Have Major Implications

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to intervene in…

Rep. Eric Swalwell Compares the Journey of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to Modern-Day Migration Challenges

On Christmas Day, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), known for his progressive stance,…