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The popular social media app TikTok is once again available for download on Apple and Google app stores in the United States, following a decision by President Donald Trump to postpone the enforcement of a ban on the platform until April 5.
The app, which boasts over 170 million American users, briefly disappeared from app stores last month as the initial ban deadline approached. However, Trump signed an executive order granting a 75-day extension, allowing TikTok to remain operational while its Chinese owner, ByteDance, seeks a buyer for its US operations.
The ban, originally signed into law by former President Joe Biden, was passed by Congress with bipartisan support over concerns that TikTok could be used by China for espionage and political influence. The legislation requires ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US division to a neutral entity or face an outright ban. However, both Beijing and TikTok executives have strongly denied the allegations and rejected the forced sale of the platform.
While Trump initially supported banning TikTok during his first term in office, he has recently softened his stance. The former president has expressed a desire to find a compromise, even suggesting a joint ownership model where a portion of the platform remains under US control. Reports indicate that TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, met with Trump after his November election victory and later attended his inauguration ceremony.
Several high-profile investors have been linked to a potential acquisition of TikTok’s US operations, including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, billionaire Elon Musk, and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary. In a surprising turn, YouTube sensation MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) also revealed that he was approached by investors after he publicly expressed interest in buying the platform.
As the April 5 deadline approaches, TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain. While the extension allows negotiations to continue, it is unclear whether ByteDance will agree to a sale or if legal battles will further complicate the situation.
