‘This Was All a Stunt’: TikTok Trolled for Coming Back Online Hours After Shutdown
In a note posted on social media, it thanked the president-elect for promising not to immediately enforce the ban.
CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty
TikTok announced it would restore access to the app to more than 170 million Americans on Sunday, hours after President-elect Donald Trump promised to grant its parent company a short reprieve from a national ban.
In a note posted to X, it thanked Trump for agreeing not to enforce the ban.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” it wrote from its policy X account. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
TikTok completed its effusive praise for Trump in a notice to users when they open the app. “Thanks for your patience and support,” the notice read. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
The move came after Trump wrote he would sign an executive order on Monday delaying the enforcement of a law that demands ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based owner, sell the app over national security concerns. He also promised tech companies there would be “no liability” should they restore access to the app and its services before his order was signed.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” he wrote.
A solution he proposed was a joint venture between the U.S. and “the current owners and/or new owners,” allowing the platform to stay active. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up,” he wrote. “Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok.”
TikTok said on Sunday it “will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
Users were split under the post over its lavish praise of the president-elect. Some lauded Trump for his public efforts in getting the app back online while others blasted the app for capitulating to a politician who initially wanted it banned years ago.
“this was all a stunt to make trump look good,” one poster wrote.
“It’s been less than 24 hours and you’re already coming back? Y’all have no shame,” another poster responded. “All of this has just been a wasted attempt to try to make Trump look better.”
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog