TikTok Restores US Service Thanks to trump

TikTok has welcomed President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to restore the app’s access in the US following his inauguration on Monday.

The China-owned platform confirmed it has begun reinstating services, addressing reports that users could access TikTok via its website but not through the mobile app.

In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump for offering much-needed clarity and assurance to its service providers, ensuring they would not face penalties for supporting the platform.

The company emphasized the importance of uninterrupted access for its 170 million American users and the over 7 million small businesses that rely on it to thrive.

Trump Seeks 50% TikTok Share for National Interests

On Saturday, TikTok vanished for its 170 million American users, just a day before a federal ban on the platform was set to take effect.

The US government cited national security concerns, claiming that TikTok's data practices could potentially expose American data to misuse.

In response, the President-elect proposed a delay in the ban to allow time for negotiations aimed at safeguarding national security.

He suggested a 50% US ownership stake in a joint venture with the rapidly growing app.

Additionally, Trump vowed to protect any company that facilitated TikTok’s continued operation through an executive order.

His stance marks a stark contrast to his first term, when he attempted to shut down TikTok over data security fears, only for the courts to intervene.

Trump’s proposed solution aims to prevent sensitive American data from being accessed by Chinese authorities, who are legally entitled to request company data under their national law.

China-US Relations Affected by TikTok Ban

While the TikTok ban was short-lived, it stirred significant diplomatic tension between China and the US.

The disruption was particularly impactful for millions of Americans who relied on the platform for both personal and professional purposes.

TikTok had become a cultural touchstone for many, and its sudden removal affected the daily lives of its users.

In response, the platform issued a brief statement explaining that the Federal Reserve had enacted a law prohibiting TikTok’s services in the US.

This law was cited as the reason behind the ban, but users remained hopeful that the incoming president would work towards a resolution.

The statement encouraged users to stay tuned for updates, noting that the app had been removed from both the Apple and Google app stores.

95% of Polymarket Users Polled that TikTok Will Be Banned

The TikTok ban became a prominent topic on Polymarket, where users eagerly placed bets on the app’s future in the US.

As the situation evolved, Polymarket priced a 95% chance of the ban taking effect by May, with rival platform Kalshi even offering 98% odds.

These prediction markets, where users wager on real-world outcomes, allow participants to buy contracts tied to specific results, with odds adjusting based on public sentiment—much like stock prices.

However, many bettors lost when TikTok’s fortunes suddenly shifted, as the platform announced its decision to restore services.

This unexpected turn of events brought relief and joy to TikTok’s users, showcasing the platform’s resilience in the face of uncertainty.

It also served as a reminder to prediction markets that, despite careful analysis, political and diplomatic outcomes can be unpredictable.