TikTok restores service in the U.S. after Trump pledges to pause federal ban
TikTok resumed operations for its U.S. users on Sunday afternoon following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump to temporarily halt a federal ban on the app after his inauguration on January 20.
The app had faced a brief shutdown earlier in the day over “national security concerns,” with a federal order mandating its China-based parent company, Bytedance, to sever ties with its U.S. operations. However, the order allows a 90-day extension if a viable sale is in progress.
Trump, set to assume office in January, expressed a willingness to grant TikTok more time to comply with federal requirements. He suggested a joint venture in which the U.S. holds a 50% ownership stake, asserting that the app’s valuation could soar to "hundreds of billions or even trillions" of dollars.
“By doing this, we save TikTok and keep it in good hands,” Trump stated on Truth Social, his social media platform.
During his previous presidency, Trump had supported a ban on TikTok, citing security risks. His executive orders targeting Bytedance and WeChat were subsequently blocked by courts. However, Trump’s position on the app shifted during his recent campaign, as TikTok significantly boosted his popularity among younger voters.
Despite the announcement, the app remained unavailable on Google Play and Apple app stores. Uncertainty lingered as the U.S. Supreme Court had unanimously upheld the ban on Friday, enforcing it the day before Trump’s return to office
TikTok issued a statement confirming it was restoring service, thanking Trump for “necessary clarity and assurance” to its service providers. The app’s message to users declared, “TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
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BJP-JD(S) want to remove Cong govt in Karnataka: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Apr 27 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday alleged that the BJP and JD(S) want to somehow remove the Congress government in the state and are dreaming about it, but won't succeed.
He also asserted that the Congress would once again come to power in the state in the 2028 Assembly polls.
The Karnataka Congress chief was addressing a gathering at an event organised to commemorate the government's achievements in the two years since coming to office and to launch various developmental works in the Bengaluru rural district.
"We cannot forget the strength you (the people) have given us. The Karnataka government is today known for its administration. We have presented a budget of over Rs 4 lakh crore, and with the motto of equal rights and equal life for all, we are taking everyone together and implementing programmes," Shivakumar said.
Addressing the event, he asked the BJP and JD(S) what they had done for the welfare of people, women, farmers, youth, and job creation, adding that they were unable to speak about it and were "jealous".
"Somehow, they want to remove this government. Some central ministers are dreaming about it. Both parties have formed an alliance; let them add four more and expand their alliance. Remember one thing: In the 2028 Assembly election, Congress will once again come to power in the state. Have this confidence; we have worked for it," he added.
His comments came days after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of trying to capture power in Karnataka by overthrowing the Congress government, urging his party members and leaders in the state to be cautious and stay united, overcoming internal differences.
Earlier, pointing out that the BJP had alleged that the state's treasury was empty because of the implementation of guarantee schemes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed there was no truth in it.
"In that case, how could projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore be inaugurated or foundations laid for them in Bengaluru rural today? This could not have been done if the treasury were empty. The BJP is spreading lies," he alleged, addressing a gathering.
Dubbing the BJP's 'Janakrosha Yatre' as "baseless" and "full of lies," Siddaramaiah claimed the BJP-led government at the Centre has raised the prices of essential commodities over the last eleven years.
"Despite crude oil prices coming down in the international market, the Centre has raised the prices of gas, petrol, and diesel. The central government and PM Narendra Modi are responsible for the price rise in the country. Meanwhile, the Congress government led by me in the state has not only implemented developmental works but also guaranteed schemes," he claimed.
The Karnataka BJP is holding the 'Janakrosha Yatre,' a statewide campaign against the Congress government in the state, over the hike in the price of essential commodities, alleged Muslim appeasement, and the alleged diversion of funds meant for Dalit welfare.
The CM claimed that the BJP has always come to power through backdoor methods, without the support of the people.
