TikTok Ban Hearings: Trump Asks Supreme Court to Pause Implementation of Legislation
President-Elect Donald Trump Urges Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Ban
President-elect Donald Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the implementation of a law that would ban popular social media app TikTok or force its sale, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue.
TikTok’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
The court is set to hear arguments in the case on January 10. The law would require TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an American company or face a ban. The U.S. Congress voted in April to ban it unless ByteDance sells the app by January 19.
TikTok’s Efforts to Forge Ties with Trump
TikTok, which has over 170 million U.S. users, and its parent have sought to have the law struck down. But if the court does not rule in their favor and no divestment occurs, the app could be effectively banned in the United States on January 19, one day before Trump takes office.
A Reversal from 2020
Trump’s support for TikTok is a reversal from 2020, when he tried to block the app in the United States and force its sale to American companies because of its Chinese ownership. It also shows the significant effort by the company to forge inroads with Trump and his team during the presidential campaign.
Trump’s Lawyer’s Statement
"President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," said D. John Sauer, Trump’s lawyer who is also the president-elect’s pick for U.S. solicitor general. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump’s incoming administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case," he added.
Trump’s Meeting with TikTok CEO
Trump previously met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in December, hours after the president-elect expressed he had a "warm spot" for the app and that he favored allowing TikTok to keep operating in the United States for at least a little while. The president-elect also said he had received billions of views on the social media platform during his presidential campaign.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Free Speech Advocates Weigh In
Free speech advocates separately told the Supreme Court on Friday the U.S. law against TikTok evokes the censorship regimes put in place by the United States’ authoritarian enemies.
U.S. Justice Department’s Position
The U.S. Justice Department has argued Chinese control of TikTok poses a continuing threat to national security, a position supported by most U.S. lawmakers.
Attorneys General’s Amicus Brief
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 22 attorneys general on Friday in filing an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold the national TikTok divest-or-ban legislation.
Conclusion
As the Supreme Court weighs the fate of TikTok, the app’s future remains uncertain. With Trump’s support, the app may be able to avoid a ban or forced sale, but the controversy surrounding its ownership and potential national security risks continues to play out in the courts.
FAQs
- What is the issue with TikTok?
TikTok is a popular social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, which has raised concerns about national security and potential censorship. - What is the law requiring ByteDance to do?
ByteDance is required to sell TikTok to an American company or face a ban by January 19. - What is Trump’s position on the issue?
Trump has urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the law, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue. - What are the next steps?
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case on January 10, and a decision is expected soon.