US President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order that postpones the enforcement of the TikTok ban for a period of 75 days. This directive instructs the US Justice Department to refrain from implementing the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which received significant bipartisan support in Congress and was enacted in April by former President Joe Biden.
The legislation mandates that TikTok must be banned in the United States starting January 19 unless it is sold to an American or allied buyer.
Trump's executive order highlights that the timing of the Act's provisions, which took effect just before he assumed office, hampers his ability to evaluate the national security and foreign policy ramifications prior to their implementation.
He expressed that this situation also complicates negotiations aimed at preventing an abrupt cessation of the TikTok platform while addressing security issues.
The 75-day extension is intended to allow the Trump administration to determine a suitable path forward that safeguards national security without causing a sudden disruption to a widely used communication platform.
In remarks to reporters, Trump indicated that his perspective on TikTok shifted after he began using the app, emphasizing its appeal to younger audiences. He acknowledged concerns regarding data privacy but suggested that broader issues might be at play.
He asserted that the executive action grants him the authority to either facilitate a sale of TikTok or terminate its operations, although the future of the app in the US remains uncertain, particularly regarding ByteDance's willingness to divest.
TikTok reinstated access for American users on Sunday afternoon, attributing the app's return to Trump's influence.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order on Monday that would delay the enforcement of legal restrictions, allowing time to negotiate a deal aimed at safeguarding national security. He clarified that technology partners like Apple, Google, and Oracle would not be held accountable for the app's availability until the order was finalized.
TikTok expressed gratitude to President Trump for providing essential clarity and assurance to its service providers, stating that they would collaborate with him to find a long-term solution to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.