Trump changes stance on TikTok after promising a reprieve
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump remarked, "I tell you what. Every rich person has called me about TikTok."
When questioned about his shift in attitude towards the app since attempting to impose a ban in 2020, Trump replied, "Because I got to use it."
On Saturday evening, the Chinese-owned application ceased operations for American users due to a new law banning it on national security grounds, which recently came into effect.
However, services resumed for its 170 million users in the US after Trump announced he would issue an executive order to grant the app a reprieve upon assuming office.
TikTok's parent company, Bytedance, had previously defied a law mandating it to divest its US operations to prevent a ban. This law was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday and took effect on Sunday.
During his first term, Trump had shown support for a ban on the platform.
TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew was present at Trump's inauguration on Monday alongside other prominent technology leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Earlier on Monday, YouTube star Mr Beast shared a TikTok video apparently from a private jet, indicating he was making an official offer to purchase the short video platform. The post mentioned it would be "crazy" but provided no further details.
Other entities—including billionaire investors and celebrities—have also shown interest in acquiring TikTok, with notable names like Musk and Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary expressing their intentions.
