Among the millions of tiktok Users affected by the closure, YouTuber and beauty influencer James Carlos shared his unfiltered reaction in an Instagram rant.
On Saturday night, TikTok’s 170 million American users suffered an abrupt shutdown when the app went offline, displaying a crude message that read: “A law has been passed banning TikTok in the US. Unfortunately, that means that you can’t use TikTok for now.” The app, along with ByteDance-owned Lemon8 and CapCut, was removed from the Apple and Google Play stores, leaving users without access to the popular platforms.
The closure left James Charles visibly shaken, leading him to express frustration.
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James Charles says he now “supports Trump”
The move marks a significant disruption for millions of Americans who rely on TikTok for news, entertainment, community and, in many cases, their livelihoods. While TikTok had warned of the possible shutdown in the weeks leading up to the ban, the sudden blackout left users shocked and searching for answers, including James Charles.
“I’m ruining myself right now. I don’t know what to do. This is so dystopian! Charles said in the emotional post. “First of all, I feel pathetic for freaking out like this because an app is not available on my phone. But this has also been a huge part of our lives for the last six years.”
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“Normally when something happens, I go on TikTok and start complaining, but I can’t do that. I feel disconnected. I feel isolated from the world and from my community,” Charles added. “This is crazy.”
In a surprising twist, Charles ended his rant with a sarcastic comment: “I guess making America great again,” apparently indicating a change in his political views as he grappled with the impact of prohibition.
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Social media users criticize James Charles
After hearing Charles’ rant, many X users criticized the beauty influencer. “Nothing will make me support him. Besides, why does losing an app make someone as angry as…? It’s really not that big of a deal.”
The user added: “Humans EXISTED and were fine before TikTok, we will be fine after LMFAO.”
“Imagine publicly supporting Trump,” wrote another.
“How are you such a sassy Republican bottom? It’s so embarrassing,” a third responded.
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Donald Trump could implement a 90-day extension
Despite the closure, the decision may not be final. President-elect Donald Trump suggested during a telephone interview the Meet the NBC Press that TikTok could receive a 90-day reprieve. Trump said he would likely extend the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese buyer.
“I think that would certainly be an option that we would look at. The 90-day extension is something that will probably be done because it is appropriate,” Trump said. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
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The possible next steps to save TikTok
Under current law, the president has the authority to grant a one-time 90-day extension to delay the TikTok ban, but only if three key conditions are met. The president must certify to Congress that there is a clear path to the divestment, that “significant progress” has been made toward its execution, and that binding legal agreements are in place to ensure that the divestment can be completed within the extension period.
No binding legal agreement has been made public so far. Even if a last-minute buyer emerged, acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations would likely require a deal worth tens of billions of dollars.
TikTok closes in the US
For now, TikTok remains offline in the US, leaving creators, businesses, and users in limbo. The shutdown of the app has sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning the motives behind the ban and its broader implications for free speech and digital culture.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, all eyes are on his decision about TikTok’s future in the U.S. A potential 90-day reprieve could offer a temporary solution, but the long-term fate of the application remains uncertain.
For millions of Americans like James Charles, TikTok’s shutdown represents more than just the loss of a platform: it’s the disruption of a digital community that has become an integral part of their daily lives.
