Breaking: TikTok Shuts Down in US Amid Trump Presidency, Leaves Notable Message to Users

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  • Millions of users in the United States (US) are no longer able to watch videos on TikTok as a federal ban on the popular app takes effect
  • The newly-enacted US law prohibiting the use of TikTok came into effect on Saturday, January 18, 48 hours before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump
  • Legit.ng reports that the ban followed months of legal battles and heightened scrutiny over TikTok’s Chinese ownership

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Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering global issues.

Washington, USA - TikTok went dark for users across the U.S. late Saturday, January 18, as the app notified users of a ban that went into effect just days before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

As reported by FoxBusiness, users who tried to utilise the app on Saturday night, January 18, were disallowed.

TikTok goes dark as US ban takes effect. Photo credit: Chip SomodevillaSource: Getty Images

They received the following message:

"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."
US TikTok ban looms as Trump seeks last-ditch solutionTikTok says it will "go dark" in the United States on Sunday, threatening access to the app for 170 million users, unless the government provides assurances that a law mandating its sale or ban won't be used to punish service providers.by  AFP, 18 Jan 2025

Also, the app gave a shout-out to Trump, saying:

"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!"

What is Donald Trumps' stance on TikTok?

Trump has said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a ban once he takes office on Monday, January 20.

Trump told NBC News on Saturday, January 18:

"The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate.
"If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday."

Expected TikTok stoppage in US

Many users have been posting “farewell TikTok” videos, according to the Guardian.

Some are sarcastic, mocking national security concerns with users saying goodbye to “their personal Chinese spy”. Others are more heartfelt, with video montages of tweens turning 18 and newborn puppies growing into grey-haired dogs. “I grew up on this app,” read scores of comments.

Canada vows 'Trump tax' on US in response to tariffs: ministerAmericans will be hit by a "Trump tariffs tax" if the US president-elect increases customs duties on Canadian products, the Canadian foreign minister said Friday, pledging a hard-hitting response in any trade war. "This would be the biggest trade war between Canada and the US in decades," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said.by  AFP, 17 Jan 2025

Can VPN make TikTok work?

Per Forbes, virtual private network (VPN) can make TikTok work in America.

VPN services let internet users route their traffic through another location, allowing them to seem as though they are located in a country other than the US, meaning US users may be able to access TikTok through a VPN.

Read more Donald Trump news:

Trump’s inauguration: Kumuyi gets US presidential invite

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, will attend Trump's second inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 20.

A. Larry Ross Communications, a US-based communications outfit, revealed this via a statement.

'More sad than shocked': TikTok users brace for ban"I almost, like, don't know how to define myself without TikTok," content creator Ayman Chaudhary sighed, reflecting the consternation of millions over US authorities' scheduled banning Sunday of the hugely popular app. Until then, Ayman and countless other content creators have been left gloomily contemplating a future without TikTok.by  AFP, 17 Jan 2025

Speaking on the development, Kumuyi praised Trump for 'his commitment to Christian values', citing his 'groundbreaking efforts to champion international religious freedom and support faith-based priorities during his first term'.

Source: Legit.ng