Hours before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump announced his agreement to approve TikTok’s return to the United States, conditional on the US owning 50% of the Chinese app. Trump cited the need to protect American jobs and prevent business from benefiting China.
At the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Victory Rally at Capitol One Arena, Trump explained his stance:
“We need to save TikTok because we have to save a lot of jobs. We don’t want to give our business to China… I agreed to approve TikTok on the condition that the USA will own 50 per cent of TikTok,” he said.
TikTok Expresses Gratitude
Earlier, TikTok confirmed it was restoring its services in the US after being offline since Saturday night to comply with a ban order by President Joe Biden’s administration. The app thanked Trump for his support in facilitating the process.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance… allowing over 170 million Americans and over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” TikTok stated.
Trump Highlights “Trump Effect”
During his rally, Trump touted the success of his leadership even before assuming office.
“Before even taking office, you are seeing results no one expected to see. Everyone is calling it the ‘Trump Effect.’ It’s you. You are the effect,” he told supporters.
He also promised significant reforms:
“We are going to restore patriotism to our schools, get radical left and woke ideologies out of our military and government. We are going to Make America Great Again.”
Vision for American Strength and Prosperity
Trump assured his supporters of a brighter future for the nation.
“We are going to make our country greater than ever before… The curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to dismantling the political status quo:
“Once and for all, we are going to end the reign of a failed, corrupt political establishment… We are not going to take it anymore.”
Executive Order to Delay TikTok Ban
Trump also announced plans to issue an executive order to delay the TikTok ban for 90 days, giving time for a resolution.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” he said.
The Supreme Court had earlier upheld a law banning TikTok unless it was sold to a US-based or allied company.