Donald Trump has publicly defended TikTok against a potential ban, urging the Supreme Court to delay enforcement to allow for negotiations. Congress has mandated that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. TikTok has denied sharing user data and is seeking a review of the law’s constitutionality. Trump, who previously sought to ban the app, now sees it as a key platform for his political campaign, while a coalition opposes the law, citing free speech rights.
Trump’s Support for TikTok Amid Legal Challenges
In a recent development, Donald Trump has stepped in to defend TikTok against a potential ban. In a letter penned by his legal team on December 27, addressed to the Supreme Court, the former president expressed his opposition to the prohibition of the Chinese social media platform “at this stage.” Trump aims to address the issue upon his return to the White House on January 20, coinciding with the enforcement date of the ban.
The letter clarifies, “President Trump does not take a position on the merits of the dispute.” Instead, his legal team urges the Court to delay the implementation of the ban, allowing the incoming administration to pursue a negotiated resolution that could prevent a nationwide shutdown of TikTok.
Congressional Action and TikTok’s Response
Earlier this year, Congress passed a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations by January 19, or face a ban. This legislation is intended to mitigate concerns over potential espionage and manipulation of TikTok’s 170 million American users by the Chinese government.
Despite TikTok’s repeated denials of sharing user data with Chinese authorities, the application has sought relief from the Supreme Court, which has agreed to review the constitutionality of the law on January 10. Trump recently met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate and has shown increasing support for the platform, emphasizing its role in connecting him with a younger audience.
His legal team argues that “President Trump is uniquely qualified to negotiate a solution that addresses national security concerns while preserving a platform that serves 170 million Americans and their First Amendment rights.” They highlight the unfortunate timing of the law’s enforcement, which they claim hampers Trump’s ability to effectively manage U.S. foreign policy.
Notably, Trump had previously attempted to ban TikTok during his presidency through executive orders, which ultimately did not succeed. Having shifted his stance, he now encourages users of the platform to support his political campaign, viewing TikTok as a viable alternative to Facebook and Instagram, which had temporarily excluded him following the Capitol riot.
In a separate appeal, a coalition of organizations, including the ACLU, has voiced opposition to the law, arguing that it infringes on free speech rights. They warn that the implementation of such a ban would disrupt Americans’ online interactions and limit their access to diverse content.
Should the law be upheld, one potential solution discussed would involve ByteDance selling its stake to non-Chinese investors, a move the company has consistently rejected due to the high costs associated with acquiring U.S. operations. The outcome of this legal battle will be critical for the future of TikTok and its millions of users in the United States.