Trump Appeals to Supreme Court to Delay TikTok Ban Until His Administration Takes Office
President-elect Donald Trump has formally appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to delay the looming TikTok ban until his administration takes office as he seeks more time for the political resolution of the issue. This is yet another foray by Trump into major national issues ahead of his inauguration.
TikTok Ban Sparks Legal Battle
The complaint cites a law, requiring TikTok to divest by January 19, 2025, on national security grounds. TikTok filed a brief asking the Supreme Court to invalidate the statute. For its part, the Biden administration defended the law, saying it was crucial to head off risks from data security and foreign interference.
An amicus brief submitted by Trump last Friday does not take a position in the dispute but urges the court to extend the deadline. A brief written by D. John Sauer, Trump's choice for Solicitor General, argued the extended timeline would allow his administration to pursue a negotiated solution.
The Pro-Active Intervention on the part of Trump
The request is the latest example of how Trump is already shaping national and international policies as he positions himself for a formal return to the White House. Already, he has called foreign leaders, negotiated tariffs and challenged federal spending plans. Trump spurned a bipartisan plan to fund the federal government earlier this month, forcing Republicans back to the negotiating table.
Trump has been holding meetings at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida with corporate executives and world leaders ahead of his swearing-in. Most recently, he met with TikTok CEO Shou Chew as a first signal that he might seek a middle road for the future of the app in the United States.
A Change in Direction on TikTok
Trump's stance on TikTok has dramatically shifted from what it was during his first term. He had earlier tried to ban the service, citing concerns about data privacy and its ties to China. In his 2024 presidential campaign, however, he warmed up to TikTok as a way to reach younger voters, especially young men. His campaign utilized the app for viral, high-energy content to boost his appeal among Gen Z audiences.
Broader Implications
Intervention by Trump in the TikTok case reflects, perhaps, a new tack taken by his administration in balancing interests of national security with those of politics and culture. In seeking a delay, he buys time for a solution that could avoid alienating TikTok's vast user base in the U.S., estimated at over 150 million.
As the Supreme Court weighs the arguments from both sides, this case has become a focal point in the broader debate over government regulation of social media platforms. Whether the Court grants Trump's request or upholds the current deadline, the decision will have far-reaching consequences for the future of TikTok and the evolving landscape of digital governance.
Conclusion
Trump's request to the Supreme Court underlines his proactive approach to policy-making and the willingness to change tack on contentious issues like TikTok. With the January 19 deadline looming, all eyes are on the Court's next move and how it may shape the trajectory of U.S.-China tech relations under the Trump administration.