In April, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the app within 270 days, citing national security concerns. Failure to comply would compel app store operators like Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms.
Amid mounting tensions, President-elect Donald Trump has filed a legal request urging the Supreme Court to delay the impending ban. According to a document submitted on Friday by John Sauer, Trump’s nominee for Solicitor General, the president-elect hopes to negotiate a resolution that balances national security with the app’s continued operation in the U.S. Sauer emphasized Trump’s commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic means.
Trump, known for his negotiation skills, expressed optimism about finding a solution that addresses security concerns while preserving TikTok’s operations. At a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump hinted at the app’s influence in reaching voters during the recent election, stating, “TikTok may have helped with key voters,” and suggesting the app might stay operational “for a little while.”
The TikTok ban has faced significant legal and public scrutiny. In May, TikTok filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to block the ban, labeling the national security concerns as unfounded. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., dismissed TikTok’s claim that the ban violated constitutional rights in early December.
On December 16, TikTok and ByteDance appealed to the Supreme Court, requesting a temporary pause on the legislation. TikTok argued that enforcing the ban would shut down one of America’s most popular platforms for free speech, impacting millions of users just before the presidential inauguration. The platform noted its critical role in enabling Americans to engage in discussions on politics, commerce, arts, and public concerns.
Two days later, the Supreme Court agreed to review TikTok’s request to block the law. Trump’s call for a delay adds a new dimension to the legal battle, signaling his willingness to explore diplomatic avenues while addressing the national security concerns underpinning the legislation.
With the Supreme Court set to evaluate TikTok’s appeal, the future of the platform in the United States hangs in the balance, amid debates on free speech, security, and political influence.
