TikTok has made a comeback to the Apple and Google app stores in the United States, following an executive order by President Donald Trump that delays the enforcement of a ban on the popular social media platform. The reinstatement comes after a nearly month-long removal that was prompted by concerns about national security tied to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance.

The ban was originally slated to take effect on January 19, leading to the app's removal from digital stores a day earlier. As the clock ran down, TikTok temporarily shut down services, only to re-emerge following the new administration's assurances that they would not be penalized for allowing the app's distribution. In a communication to Apple and Google, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi assured both tech giants that they would not face any legal repercussions for supporting TikTok, allowing the app to be listed once more.

Trump’s executive order provided a 75-day reprieve, allowing for negotiations to take place regarding the potential sale of TikTok to an American entity, a requirement stated in the bipartisan legislation pushed through Congress and signed into law by former President Joe Biden in April 2024. This legislation mandated that ByteDance must sell the U.S. operations of TikTok or face a complete ban.

"As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.," read a notification to users upon the app's return. The geopolitical tussle over TikTok has been highlighted as a key concern, with lawmakers fearing data misuse by a foreign adversary.

Despite the app's reinstatement, its long-term future remains uncertain. Trump has openly discussed various American buyers, including tech figureheads like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, suggesting a joint ownership structure could be most beneficial. TikTok has maintained that it does not plan to sell its operations voluntarily, which complicates the timeline.

Trump's approach has undergone a notable shift, having initially pursued a ban on TikTok in his previous term due to national security allegations. Now, he is adopting a more conciliatory stance, indicating a "warm spot" for the platform that has proven popular among younger voters, even citing its potential value at nearly a trillion dollars.

The lifting of the ban has drawn mixed reactions from users, businesses, and political players, illustrating the complexities surrounding foreign tech regulation in the U.S. The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely to see what the outcome of negotiations would result in.

For more updates on this developing situation, follow the original reports from South China Morning Post, New York Times, and Forbes.