Louisville creators grapple with TikTok's uncertain future

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- TikTok has been back online for roughly 48 hours and although it has returned, the app's future is uncertain, leaving local creators on edge.

The platform went offline before a ban approved by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court took effect Sunday. After President Donald Trump promised he would pause the ban on Monday, TikTok restored access for existing users.

Trump’s executive order instructs the U.S. attorney general not to take any action to enforce the TikTok ban for 75 days “to allow my Administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown of a communications platform used by millions of Americans.”

"It's not just social media, it's people's livelihoods," said Louisville creator Nathan Morris.

Morris started posting on TikTok in 2022 about being a mortician. Almost three years later, his social media has grown into sharing more of his music.

"It became and has been a means, that's how I make money," Morris told WDRB.

The creator described TikTok's ban and return as an April Fool's joke.

"It's giving people an outlet to feel heard," Morris said. "It was something for me, for it to go away, there was major disappointment."

As of now, TikTok's return isn't permanent. UofL law professor Russell Weaver said he's not sure Trump had the authority to issue the order.

"You're dealing with a statute passed by Congress, and usually you can't have an executive order that overrides the congressional enactment," Weaver said.

Weaver did point out that administrations do have discretion about what extent to enforce a law. As for the future, Weaver said it will be up to Trump and Congress to come to a decision.

"It depends upon what Trump decides and what he can persuade Congress to do," said Weaver.

As for Morris, he is prepared for his next move. While grateful for his start on TikTok, he is prepared to dedicate more time to other apps.

"I have other platforms, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook," Morris said. "I have a plan, but you now, man plans and God smiles."

Google and Apple, however, still have not reinstated TikTok to their app stores.

Trump said Monday he is looking to have the U.S. government broker a deal for 50% control of TikTok, adding that “every rich person” has called him about acquiring the social media platform.

“I think the U.S. should be entitled to get half of TikTok and, congratulations, TikTok has a good partner and that would be worth, you know, could be $500 billion,” Trump said. “The numbers are crazy, but it’s worthless,” without a U.S. buyer.

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