President-elect Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court to suspend a potential ban on TikTok until a political resolution can be explored. This request arises as both TikTok and the Biden administration have filed opposing briefs regarding a law that could result in the platform’s ban by January 19. The Biden administration has argued that repealing this law is essential due to national security concerns.
In his court filing, Trump did not express a definitive position on the fundamental issues of the case. Instead, he urged the court to maintain the January 2025 sale deadline while the case is considered. His team emphasizes the importance of finding a political solution after he assumes office.
This latest legal maneuver is part of Trump’s broader engagement in national issues before his official term begins. He has had discussions with foreign leaders and business executives, including TikTok’s CEO, as he explores various strategies, including tariffs and funding negotiations with Congress.
Trump’s stance on TikTok has evolved since he sought to ban the app during his previous term due to security risks. He has since utilized TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign, aiming to connect with younger voters through engaging content. Despite acknowledging the security risks posed by TikTok, he believes that a ban is not the solution.
The legal debate centers around a law requiring TikTok to sever ties with its China-based parent company, raising questions about potential First Amendment violations. This law, enacted following broad bipartisan support, has faced legal challenges from TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. A recent ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the law, leading TikTok to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Biden administration maintains that TikTok’s links to China constitute a national security threat, as Chinese authorities could potentially access U.S. user data. However, TikTok’s legal arguments assert that there is no evidence of such actions by China and that concerns are largely speculative. The Biden administration has reinforced that TikTok’s corporate structure, closely tied to ByteDance, raises inherent risks.