A couple of weeks ago, the popular social media app TikTok went dark in the United States for 14 hours. The only thing left was a strange message stating the company was working closely with Donald Trump (who wasn’t yet in office) to restore the app to Americans. TikTok users were devastated to see that the ban they had anticipated for so long was actually happening.
Zachary High student Anna Beauchamp (12) expressed how upset she was when her favorite app disappeared. It was tough for her to adjust to not having the app on her phone.
“I felt lost… I kept trying to open it, and then it wasn’t there,” said Beauchamp (12), “It was unexpected that TikTok actually went away, so I was a bit shocked and didn’t know what to do…”
Beauchamp deleted the app, thinking it wouldn’t return. She was heartbroken when she found out it had returned, but she couldn’t re-download it.
Luckily, 14 hours later, the app was back! When the app returned, users were first greeted with another message crediting Trump with the app’s return. For those confused about what’s happening in the White House surrounding TikTok, this article can shed light on all the details!
In 2021, Congress passed a bill declaring TikTok would be banned in the United States unless ties were cut with its parent company, ByteDance (a Chinese-based company). President Trump signed the bill into law in 2022, initiating the chaos. At the time, Trump was pro-ban on TikTok. The ban was set to take effect on January 19, 2025, as it seemed no companies were interested in buying.
Fast forward to December 2024, TikTok users started to question whether the ban would happen or not after so much speculation. Then, suddenly, Donald Trump decided to take on the cause! Trump, who used TikTok to promote himself during the recent election, said he had a change of heart.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. There are those that say TikTok had something to do with it,” said Trump to CBS News.
Trump pledged to help save the app, which led to its ultimate return for Americans. However, many question how long this return will last. On Monday, January 20, Trump signed an executive order that protects TikTok for another 75 days. Within the 75 days, the Trump administration will decide how to proceed, likely either selling or closing the app.
Many are questioning the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order. On the one hand, the executive branch has the power to enforce the law, and Trump can make executive orders. But on the other hand, this law was already passed by Congress, signed by former President Biden, and approved by the Supreme Court.
Some users have also noticed changes in the app, pointing out the increase in censorship on the platform. Now, users must approve certain comments on their videos. Most of those comments mention political views. Additionally, many users have noticed a decrease in the number of videos on political topics they’ve seen on their “For You” pages. There is speculation that the app now has an incentive to show content that reflects positively on President Trump.
The future of the app is uncertain. Whether the Trump administration chooses to save it or not, the app will forever be changed.
