TikTok lost power for about 12 hours over the weekend, but restored service on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump promised to give the China-based parent company additional time to sell the social media platform. Under the terms of the law passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, TikTok's parent company ByteDance must sell its platform or face a ban in the United States. Trump supported such proposals during his first term. Supporters argue that TikTok is a threat to national security.
On Saturday night, TikTok went dark in the United States, disappearing from app stores, and prompting users with a message saying: “A law has been enacted in the United States that bans TikTok. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now.” A message was displayed.
but Platform services have been restored Sunday after President Trump issued a statement. statement In real social.
“I implore companies not to leave TikTok in the dark!” Trump wrote. “I'm going to issue an executive order on Monday to extend it.” period Agreements can be made to protect national security before legal prohibitions take effect. This order also confirms that I will not be liable to companies that helped stop TikTok's blackout prior to my order. ”
President Trump will officially take office at noon Eastern on Monday.
President Trump added, “I would like the United States to have 50% ownership in the joint venture.” “By doing this, we will save TikTok, take good care of it, and keep it alive. Without America's approval, there will be no TikTok. With our approval, TikTok will be worth hundreds of billions of dollars. , probably worth trillions of dollars. So my first thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or the new owners, with the US and a buyer of our choosing. The United States will acquire 50% ownership of the joint venture.
that unknown Whether ByteDance will accept Mr. Trump's proposal. presidential order probably As allowed by law, TikTok will have a 90-day grace period.
The law in question was passed with strong bipartisan support. — This is an unusual event in a Congress that has been deeply divided in recent years. The standalone ban passed the House 352-64 as part of a package with unrelated measures, and then the Senate 79-18. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in a 9-0 decision.
The law officially entered into force on Sunday. Several Republican leaders said Sunday they had no intention of withdrawing support for the law.
“We will enforce the law,” Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC. meet the press.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Johnson said: “We're going to try to force a real sale, a change of hands, a change of ownership.”
“It's not the platform that lawmakers are concerned about.” Mr. Johnson said. “It's the Chinese Communist Party and their algorithmic manipulation. They're flooding the minds of American children with horrific messages that glorify violence and violence. antisemitism and Even suicide and eating disorders.
“And they are mining data on American citizens.” Johnson added. “the very dangerous thing. The Chinese Communist Party is not our friend and we must make sure this changes. …handThis requires a complete divestment from the Chinese Communist Party, and I think President Trump is the one who can make that deal happen. ”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said Congress would “enforce the law” to ensure TikTok is sold completely or banned.
He argues that a “complete divestment from the Chinese Communist Party” is needed, not just a 50% sale.
He further adds: “This is not a platform for members to participate… pic.twitter.com/TRnWS3vWtT
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 19, 2025
Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) released a statement saying the legislation is expected to: forced. Mr. Cotton is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
“We commend Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft for complying with the law and suspending ByteDance and TikTok, and we encourage other companies to do the same.” cotton and ricketts said. “Ultimately, the law risks catastrophic bankruptcy for companies that violate it. Now that the law has come into force, there is no legal basis for it. seeds 'expansion' Effective date. For TikTok come back In the future, ByteDance must go online to sever all ties between TikTok and Communist China and agree to any sale that meets the law's qualified sale requirements. Only then will Americans be protected from the grave threat to their privacy and security posed by communist-controlled TikTok. ”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Kayla Bartkowski/staff
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 19, 2025.
