As of now, the popular social media platform, TikTok, faces a complex situation in the U.S. While there is an official ban on downloading the app for new users, those who have already installed it can continue to access it without interruption. Former President Trump has publicly committed to finding a solution that not only allows TikTok to operate but also generates substantial revenue for the United States in the process. This ongoing saga has left many users and marketers on edge regarding the future of the platform and its impact on social media strategies.

For those who were not tracking the developments over the weekend, the situation around TikTok has become increasingly convoluted. The app stands in a legal gray area, effectively making it illegal for new users in the U.S. Meanwhile, Trump is exploring options to legitimize its use, which has left social media managers and marketers concerned about how to navigate their strategies amidst this uncertainty.

The efficacy of Trump’s plans remains uncertain, and there are many questions about whether his proposed solutions can genuinely resolve the issues surrounding the app.

Additionally, there has been substantial confusion regarding Trump’s involvement in the TikTok controversy, particularly about whether he was the catalyst for the recent ban. While he indeed played a role in initiating the push against TikTok, it’s crucial to understand the broader context of these events and the timeline leading to the current situation.

This narrative, while partially accurate, oversimplifies the complexities involved in the TikTok controversy and its implications for users and the broader digital landscape.

To fully grasp the unfolding drama, here’s a comprehensive timeline detailing the chaotic events surrounding TikTok’s ownership and its operational status in America.

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July 2020 – In response to various government actions aimed at banning TikTok on official devices, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly states that the U.S. is contemplating an outright ban on the app. President Trump amplifies this sentiment, linking the potential ban to the COVID pandemic as a form of retaliation.

August 2020 – An executive order is issued by President Trump to ban TikTok, citing concerns over data privacy and censorship linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This move raises alarm among users and influencers who have built their presence on the platform.

September 2020 – A federal judge intervenes, blocking part of Trump’s executive order that aimed to prohibit the app’s downloads. The ruling indicates that the President may have overstepped his authority, lacking sufficient evidence or due process in the decision-making process.

October 2020 – Following a legal challenge from TikTok influencers, a federal judge again blocks Trump’s executive order. The ruling highlights that the President has potentially exceeded his emergency economic powers by making decisions based on speculative claims rather than concrete evidence.

November 2020 – A second federal judge upholds the challenges against Trump’s executive order, indicating a lack of evidence for any wrongdoing on TikTok’s part, further emphasizing the need for due process for both TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance.

<span><span><span><span><span>July 2021</span></span></span></span></span> – The Biden Administration reverses the previous executive order, effectively revoking the attempts made by the Trump Administration to ban TikTok. However, concerns regarding the platform being controlled by a “foreign adversary” remain, revealing the complexities of the situation.

December 2022 – A new legislative proposal emerges from the Senate Intelligence Committee, aiming to block transactions by social media companies with substantial monthly users that are based in or influenced by foreign adversaries, thus reigniting concerns about TikTok’s operational status.

March 2024 – Following confidential briefings from cybersecurity experts about TikTok’s potential risks, lawmakers in the House approve legislation mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok to U.S. ownership. The vote reflects a strong sentiment among lawmakers regarding national security. The house vote on the legislation is 352 to 65.

March 2024 – In a surprising turn, Presidential candidate Donald Trump declares his opposition to a ban on TikTok, suggesting that such actions would primarily benefit rival platform Meta. Trump’s comments highlight the complex dynamics of social media competition and influence.

April 2024 – The U.S. Senate passes a bill compelling TikTok to be sold to a U.S. company or face a ban. This legislation garners significant bipartisan support, passing 79-18 and demonstrating a unified stance on national security concerns. Following this, President Biden signs the bill, allowing ByteDance a nine-month window to comply.

<span><span><span><span><span>June 2024</span></span></span></span></span> – The political landscape shifts as Presidential candidate Trump joins TikTok, aiming to engage with voters and capitalize on the platform’s massive reach.

September 2024 – Having amassed millions of followers on TikTok, Trump pledges to protect the platform if re-elected, underscoring his newfound status as a prominent figure on the app.

December 2024 – A U.S. appeals court rules against TikTok’s attempt to disqualify the sell-off mandate, reinforcing the government’s stance on the issue. This ruling adds another layer of complexity to TikTok’s future in the U.S.

January 2025 – The Supreme Court affirms the sell-off bill concerning TikTok, solidifying the legal framework for its future operations in the country. 

• The Biden Administration announces that it will not enforce the TikTok ban on January 19th, allowing Trump and his team to navigate the implementation of the law. However, the approved legislation remains in effect, pressuring app providers to remove TikTok from their offerings in the U.S.
• President-elect Trump indicates that he may sign a 90-day extension for TikTok following his inauguration, though the feasibility of such a move is uncertain, given that the law will already be enacted.
• TikTok notifies its users about the impending need to go offline in the U.S., generating significant concern among its user base.
• After a brief downtime of 16 hours, TikTok is restored in the U.S. following Oracle’s agreement to Trump’s assurances that they will not face penalties under the sell-off law. However, major platforms like Apple and Google continue to restrict TikTok from their app stores due to potential legal ramifications.
• After taking office, Trump issues an executive order that instructs the Attorney General to pause enforcement of the TikTok sell-off legislation for 75 days. This action aims to give Trump and his administration time to assess their options while ensuring the continuity of a platform widely used by millions.

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The current landscape shows that TikTok is still technically banned in the U.S. due to the Senate-approved legislation effective January 19th. The legal complexities present a challenge for Trump, who may face difficulties in issuing an executive order to override an already enacted law. This ongoing legal battle will likely define TikTok’s future in the U.S.

Despite these challenges, Trump remains optimistic about finding a solution that allows TikTok to be partially owned by U.S. interests, thus fulfilling the requirements of the legislation while keeping the app operational for its American user base.

However, the feasibility of achieving such a resolution remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether TikTok can be fully reinstated under the current legal framework through executive actions.

Nonetheless, as it stands, TikTok has managed to maintain a degree of functionality for its U.S. users, allowing them to continue engaging with the platform amid these ongoing discussions and developments.