TikTok Officially Banned — Will President Trump Bring it Back?

It’s official: the TikTok ban has gone into effect in the United States.

Social media users are posting screenshots of the message received when they try to access TikTok, which includes a blurb about President Trump working with the company to bring the app back to American users.

Here’s the message users are seeing right now:

This has many users wondering if President Trump will revive TikTok by brokering a deal with an American business once he takes office on Monday.

Another possibility is that he will extend the ban terms for 60-90 days via Executive Order on Day One.

It remains to be seen exactly what President Trump will do, but he’s been clear that TikTok holds a place dear to his heart, as it played a vital role in reaching young voters this past election cycle.

Here’s what people are saying:

TikTok is officially banned for all users in America.

Biden had a chance to keep it alive, but he wanted this to happen to overshadow Trump’s inauguration.

President Trump could bring it back online and then broker a historic deal.

Let’s see what Trump does Monday. pic.twitter.com/CEZ4liLY2F

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 19, 2025

TikTok says that it’s being banned but its CEO says they’re working with Trump to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. pic.twitter.com/tVmjrDVvnU

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 19, 2025

The Wall Street Journal reported:

TikTok went dark for American users in an unprecedented display of the U.S.-China divide over technology and national security.

The app started halting service Saturday night for 170 million users in its most important market shortly before a law took effect requiring it to shed its Chinese ownership or close in the U.S. It marked the first time the U.S. government has compelled the closure of such a widely used app, and disrupted millions of American businesses and social-media entrepreneurs who use TikTok to connect with customers and fans.

TikTok users started seeing a message late Saturday saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

There is an option under the message to get more information, and clicking brings users to a link to download their data. The app wasn’t available to download from Apple or Google’s app stores.

TikTok’s disappearance could be brief, however. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday said he would likely give TikTok a 90-day extension from the potential ban after he takes office Monday. TikTok Chief Executive Shou Chew is scheduled to attend Trump’s inauguration, along with U.S. tech luminaries including Mark Zuckerberg, whose Meta Platforms owns TikTok rival Instagram.

It remains to be seen what the particulars of President Trump’s plans are in order to restore TikTok to millions of Americans.

Meanwhile…that hasn’t stopped some TikTok addicts from panicking and calling emergency services over the ban!

Just listen to this audio of a dispatcher who got a call over this exact thing:

🚨 JUST IN: 911 calls are being placed around the country by individuals panicking over the TikTok ban

I can’t believe I have to say this, BUT DON’T CALL 911 OVER TIKTOK.

Here’s audio of 911 dispatch from Anoka County, MN, requesting a welfare check on a caller, saying he’s… pic.twitter.com/2f21H5HsL5

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 19, 2025

Needless to say, if you’re so obsessed with TikTok that you need it like you need air…it might be time to take a well-needed break.

These few days without TikTok might do some people good!