WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday an executive order to prevent the shutdown of TikTok, just hours before the popular social media platform was set to go offline in the United States. The move comes as part of a broader plan to negotiate a joint venture that could see the U.S. government take a 50% ownership stake in the app.
The executive order, which Trump said would be issued Monday, will delay the enforcement of the prohibitions that were set to take effect under prior federal regulations. “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark,” Trump said, adding that the temporary extension would allow time to finalize a deal that would “protect our national security.”
TikTok confirmed the reversal, stating that service restoration is already underway. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties,” the company said in a statement posted on Twitter. TikTok also emphasized its willingness to work with the administration on a “long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
The president framed the decision as both an economic opportunity and a strategic move. “With our approval, [TikTok] is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions,” Trump stated, outlining a vision for a joint venture between current and potential new owners that would include a significant U.S. ownership stake.
TikTok, which serves over 170 million American users, has faced scrutiny over its data practices and ownership ties to China. The platform’s continued operation in the U.S. is seen as critical for millions of small businesses that rely on it for marketing and outreach.
Trump’s decision ensures TikTok will remain online at least temporarily while negotiations continue, a dramatic reversal for an app central to American social media culture.