In a plot twist straight out of a movie, TikTok, the beloved app that turned dances, memes, and lip-syncs into global phenomena, just got a potential lifeline from an unexpected source—Donald Trump.
Yes, you read that right. The former president, known for his colorful takes on…well, everything, is “likely” to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from its impending U.S. ban. It appears the battle for the scroll lives on.
Let’s rewind and catch you up on the tea that brought us here.
It all started back in 2020 when TikTok became more than just a Gen Z playground—it was the app. From #Renegade to #SavageLove, it was all fun and games until Uncle Sam got involved.
The U.S. government raised concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance (based in China), could potentially share user data with the Chinese government. Cue the big red flag.
Fast forward, and Trump, during his presidency, made TikTok the star of his national security agenda. He issued executive orders that essentially said, “Sell your U.S. operations to an American company, or we’ll kick you out.”
While ByteDance scrambled to strike a deal with companies like Oracle and Walmart, legal battles and political gridlock kept the drama alive.
Fast forward to 2025, and TikTok was staring down a January 19 deadline to either pack its bags or divest from ByteDance. The stakes? About 170 million American users potentially losing their favorite app.
Now back in the spotlight, Trump has hinted that he’s likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve to sort out its business affairs.
Why? Maybe he’s feeling nostalgic for #MAGA memes or secretly mastering the “Wednesday Dance.” Or perhaps it’s a pragmatic move to avoid the wrath of millions of TikTok creators (and voters).
The extension would buy ByteDance extra time to sell its U.S. operations to a Non-Chinese company, which could save TikTok from going dark in the States. Think of it as a stay of execution for your For You Page.
Despite this glimmer of hope, ByteDance announced a temporary U.S. shutdown starting January 18. Picture this: TikTok creators scrambling to download their drafts, fans shedding virtual tears over their favorite creators’ possible departures, and influencers wondering, “How do I TikTok-ify my Instagram Reels?”
But ByteDance isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. If Trump’s promised 90-day extension materializes, the app could resume operations before your favorite dance challenge gets cold.
So, what does this all mean? For now, TikTok’s fate in the U.S. hangs by a thread, but the battle isn’t over.
Whether you’re a dedicated TikToker or a casual scroller, this saga is a reminder that even your favorite apps aren’t safe from geopolitics.
As we wait for the next chapter, one thing’s for sure—TikTok isn’t just an app; it’s a cultural movement. And like any great movement, it’s fighting to stay alive. Will it survive to see another #FYP trend? Only time (and a few political decisions) will tell.
Stay tuned, TikTokers. You might just get to dance through this drama.
by HANNIE PETRA
