Donald Trump Causes Dilemma for National College Star as Tik Tok’s Return Eases JuJu Watkins’ Worst Fear

After creating a dilemma in the hearts of 170 million people, just moments before being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump put the youth at ease—particularly college star Juju Watkins—when TikTok made its return after a 12-hour shutdown as if it had never left. However, with the nation on the brink of a new era, one question lingers: how will Trump’s presidency shape the future of platforms like TikTok, and what does it mean for the youth, like Juju, who rely on them?

On Saturday night, TikTok users across the U.S. found themselves unable to access the app, thanks to a ban upheld by the Supreme Court just days before. With over 170 million Americans relying on TikTok for entertainment and self-expression, the disruption sent waves of frustration throughout the internet. The app, often at the center of political debates due to its Chinese ownership, has evolved into more than just a platform—it has become a cultural force, reflecting the country’s ever-shifting relationship with technology and global influence.

Among those feeling the impact was college star Juju Watkins. Like many others, she had grown accustomed to TikTok as a place of connection and expression, and the uncertainty surrounding its future sparked real concern. “TikTok is my last hope for society…(If not for that) I’m deleting social media as a whole. You don’t understand. Hopefully, we can figure it out as a nation,” Watkins shared in a recent podcast, voicing the collective anxiety felt by many in her generation.

Meanwhile, USC Guard Talia von Oelhoffen, known for her candidness on social media, jokingly tweeted, “I almost convinced my teammates to get on Twitter fr, but now TikTok’s back up, whatever I’ll hold it down,” following her team’s victory over the Indiana Hoosiers (66-73). Von Oelhoffen is notably more active on X than her teammates, especially when compared to Watkins, whose most recent post dates back to November 2024.

But the anxiety surrounding TikTok’s future didn’t last long. To everyone’s surprise, Trump, who had previously opposed banning the app, stepped in to save it. Early Sunday morning, he announced that he would sign an executive order after his inauguration on Monday to delay the enforcement of the divest-or-ban law. As a result, TikTok was back online within hours, sending out a notification that read: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” Still, questions remain about the app’s long-term future, as legal and political challenges continue to loom.

TikTok’s Uncertain Future

TikTok was banned in the U.S. over national security concerns tied to its China-based parent company, ByteDance. Federal law required the company to separate from its U.S. operations by selling to an American or allied owner or shutting down entirely. The courts, including the Supreme Court, upheld the law, effectively banning the app nationwide.

While Trump had supported a TikTok ban during his first term, his stance recently changed. On Truth Social, he urged, “SAVE TIKTOK!” and asked the Supreme Court to pause the law, giving his incoming administration time to negotiate a deal to keep the app available to Americans. However, on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the ban, leaving TikTok’s future uncertain.

The app’s brief blackout marked the culmination of years of efforts to block its use in the U.S. Last April, outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law giving ByteDance 270 days to comply with the divestment requirement—or face an outright ban. When the deadline passed, the blackout became a reality.

The only real solutions to keep TikTok alive now are either passing a new law to overturn the ban—a tough task given the strong support for the current legislation—or forcing a sale to an approved buyer.

While TikTok’s brief return offers relief, especially for users like Juju Watkins, its future remains uncertain, with ongoing legal battles and crucial decisions on ownership still pending, the app’s survival is at risk.