TikTok is back in U.S. app stores, but its future remains highly uncertain. Following a temporary reprieve granted by President Donald Trump, Apple and Google have reinstated the popular video-sharing app for download. This decision came only after Attorney General Pam Bondi provided legal assurances to the tech giants. However, with a new 50-day deadline for a forced sale now in effect, the clock is ticking for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
A Temporary Reprieve, Not a Permanent Solution
While TikTok’s 170 million American users can celebrate its return to app stores, this is far from a final victory. The reinstatement is a direct result of a new executive order from President Trump, which gives the company an extra 75 days to find a U.S.-based buyer.
This order effectively pauses the enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. That law had set a January 19 deadline for a sale, which passed without a deal being made.
While the executive order provides breathing room, it does not legally cancel the underlying law. It is a strategic delay, giving all parties more time to negotiate a complex and high-stakes deal.
Why Apple and Google Held Back
The hesitation from Apple and Google highlights the serious legal risks involved. Unlike Oracle, which continued providing essential infrastructure for TikTok, both major app stores removed all ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, after the initial deadline passed.
They only reversed this decision after receiving official legal protection from the Attorney General. This assurance from Pam Bondi shields them from potential penalties for hosting an app that is still under intense government scrutiny. The move underscores the precarious legal ground on which TikTok currently operates in the United States.
The High-Stakes Countdown to a Sale
With the new deadline just 50 days away, the pressure is on to find a suitable American buyer. The Trump administration is reportedly in discussions with several major tech companies to broker a deal that satisfies national security concerns.
The list of potential suitors includes some of the biggest names in American technology:
- Microsoft: The software giant previously attempted to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations back in 2020.
- Oracle: Already a key partner, Oracle currently handles TikTok’s U.S. data and could expand its role.
- Amazon: A new name in the negotiations, the e-commerce and cloud computing leader has entered the conversation.
President Trump has also mentioned the unconventional idea of the U.S. government taking a direct stake in the company, though a move like this would be unprecedented and face significant hurdles.
Geopolitical Hurdles with Beijing
Finding a U.S. buyer is only half the battle. Any potential sale agreement would also require the approval of the Chinese government in Beijing, which is a major complication.
China has previously signaled it would block the sale of key technology assets to foreign companies, citing its own national security interests. ByteDance is caught between satisfying Washington’s demands to divest and Beijing’s rules preventing such a sale. This geopolitical tug-of-war places the future of the app in a difficult position, with a resolution that pleases both global powers seeming increasingly complex.
For now, users can download and update TikTok as usual. But as the 50-day countdown continues, the battle over its ownership is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TikTok banned in the US right now?
No, TikTok is not currently banned. It is available for download in the Apple and Google app stores after President Trump granted a temporary extension for the company to negotiate a sale to a U.S. owner.
Why was TikTok going to be banned?
The U.S. government passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act over concerns about national security and the potential for the Chinese government to access American user data through TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
How long does TikTok have to find a buyer?
TikTok has a 50-day deadline remaining from the date of the article to finalize a sale to a U.S.-based company. This deadline was set by an executive order from President Trump.
Which companies might buy TikTok?
Several major U.S. tech companies are reportedly in talks to acquire TikTok. The primary candidates mentioned are Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon.
What happens if TikTok is not sold in 50 days?
If no deal is reached by the deadline, the U.S. government could move to enforce the ban outlined in the original law. This would likely result in the app being removed from app stores again and could disrupt its operations in the U.S.
