**Donald Trump Temporarily Postpones TikTok Ban with Executive Order**
President Donald Trump has executed an executive order that postpones the enforcement of the TikTok ban in the U.S. for 75 days. This action temporarily suspends the controversial legislation but does not ensure the app’s enduring presence in the United States.
This executive directive was among several measures Trump initiated right after his second inauguration as U.S. president on Monday. Alongside other initiatives, he proclaimed a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, eliminated federal diversity programs, and launched the Elon Musk-headed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Nonetheless, the order related to TikTok is particularly noteworthy since it has a direct effect on millions of U.S. users of the widely-used video-sharing app.
The postponement arises from the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” (PAFACA), commonly identified as the U.S. TikTok ban. Trump’s order directs the Department of Justice to abstain from enforcing the ban for 75 days, permitting TikTok to operate in the U.S. throughout this timeframe.
“I am directing the Attorney General not to take any action to enforce the Act for a duration of 75 days from today to give my Administration a chance to determine the suitable course forward in a manner that safeguards national security while preventing an abrupt closure of a communications platform utilized by millions of Americans,” Trump noted in the order.
### A Brief Respite for TikTok
The 75-day pause pushes the enforcement date of the TikTok ban to April 5. In this interim, Trump intends to negotiate an agreement that tackles national security issues while averting a sudden closure of the platform. Last December, Trump expressed optimism in his capacity to negotiate such a deal, even filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court seeking a delay on the ban.
However, the way forward remains uncertain. Unless PAFACA is rescinded, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, may need to divest its U.S. operations to adhere to the law. ByteDance has consistently opposed this option, deeming it “technologically, commercially, and legally impractical.” Repealing the legislation would also be a protracted endeavor, likely surpassing the 75-day grace period.
Without a solution, U.S. TikTok users could confront another swift discontinuation from the platform when the delay comes to an end in April.
### TikTok Ban Still Active, But Enforcement Halted
It is crucial to highlight that Trump’s executive order does not annul the TikTok ban. PAFACA continues to be in effect, indicating that TikTok is technically still prohibited under U.S. law. The order simply halts enforcement, protecting TikTok and other affected applications from sanctions during the 75-day period.
Trump has additionally instructed the Department of Justice to inform affected parties that operating during this phase will not breach the law or incur penalties. Furthermore, the order guarantees that no retroactive penalties will be levied for actions taken during the grace period or prior to the executive order.
If the ban were to be enforced, TikTok could incur fines of up to $5,000 per U.S. user. With around 170 million U.S. users, this could lead to an astonishing $850 billion penalty—almost three times ByteDance’s valuation as of November 2024.
### TikTok’s Uncertain Prospects
In light of the Supreme Court’s recent denial of TikTok’s petition to overturn the ban, the app’s future in the U.S. now hinges largely on Trump’s capacity to negotiate a resolution. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who was present at Trump’s inauguration on Monday, has publicly expressed gratitude to the president for his efforts to ensure the app’s viability in the U.S.
Trump’s newfound backing for TikTok signifies a substantial change from his previous position. During his initial term, he issued an executive order banning the app in 2020, although the ban was never implemented and was eventually rescinded by President Joe Biden. In recent months, Trump has moderated his stance, even suggesting in December that “maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while.” His personal success on the platform, where his videos have attracted millions of views, could have influenced this shift in perspective.
### Conclusion
While Trump’s executive order offers TikTok a temporary extension, its long-term future remains in question. Unless a resolution is achieved or PAFACA is repealed, the app may confront another closure in April. For now, TikTok users in the U.S. can keep using the platform, but the countdown has begun.