President-elect Donald Trump has filed a request with the U.S. Supreme Court to delay the implementation of a law that would force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the popular video-sharing app or face a ban in the United States. The law, officially named the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, mandates that ByteDance divest its U.S. assets or risk TikTok being prohibited from operating in the country. This deadline is set to take effect on January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration, which his legal team argues complicates his ability to navigate foreign policy effectively.
In their filing, Trump’s attorneys describe the timing of the law as “unfortunate,” claiming that it interferes with the incoming administration’s ability to manage relations with China and to address the national security concerns raised by the government. Trump’s legal team also emphasizes that he possesses the unique political and negotiation skills necessary to resolve the TikTok issue while addressing these security concerns. This marks a shift from his previous stance, where he had attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, but now supports finding a solution that keeps the app available to U.S. users.
The law’s supporters argue that TikTok poses a national security threat, suggesting that the Chinese government could exploit the app for data collection or to spread propaganda to U.S. users. These claims have been a significant factor in the push for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations. However, several civil liberties and free speech groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have weighed in against the law. They argue that the U.S. government has yet to present solid evidence of any imminent or ongoing harm caused by TikTok’s operations.
As the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 10, Trump’s filing presents a strategic move to delay the law’s enforcement. His team’s assertion that he alone has the political clout and expertise to resolve the issue underscores the broader political debate over TikTok’s future in the U.S. In the meantime, TikTok continues to be a key platform for Trump’s political messaging, with the president-elect boasting 14.7 million followers, which he highlights as a testament to its significance as a unique medium for free expression.
