Trump Calls on Supreme Court to Delay TikTok Ban: Advocates for Political Resolution
Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has taken a prominent stand in the ongoing TikTok controversy, urging the Supreme Court to delay the implementation of a January 19 ban on the popular social media platform.
Trump’s position signals his intention to address the issue through diplomatic and political channels once he assumes office on January 20.
The current legal conflict revolves around a US law mandating the divestment of TikTok by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns. ByteDance and TikTok have faced allegations of ties to the Chinese government, though the company denies these claims. The law has drawn criticism from First Amendment advocates and tech experts, who argue it infringes on free speech rights for TikTok’s 170 million American users.
Both TikTok and ByteDance have mounted legal challenges, but courts have largely upheld the law. With the deadline fast approaching, the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10, offering a potential resolution before the scheduled ban.
In a legal brief filed with the Supreme Court, Trump has argued for a postponement of the deadline, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue politically rather than relying solely on judicial remedies. Trump’s filing highlighted the “unprecedented tension between free-speech rights and national security concerns” and criticized the rigid deadline, which he says undermines the ability to pursue a negotiated solution.
Asserting his unique qualifications to handle the matter, Trump pointed to his experience with complex negotiations and his significant electoral mandate.
“President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution,” his brief stated.
US officials have long cited potential risks posed by TikTok, including the platform’s ability to collect sensitive user data and its susceptibility to foreign influence. The Biden administration defended the law as a necessary safeguard, describing ByteDance as a potential tool for Chinese government espionage.
However, Trump has countered that a politically brokered deal could address security concerns without violating constitutional rights. His administration has previously proposed solutions like “Project Texas,” which would isolate US user data on domestic servers to ensure security.
The timing of the Supreme Court hearing has created a narrow window for action. Trump’s call for a delay aims to provide his incoming administration the opportunity to craft a long-term resolution that balances national security with the platform’s role as a hub for free expression.
TikTok, a cultural phenomenon especially among younger Americans, serves as a platform for diverse communication, from political discourse to social bonding. The platform’s advocates argue that banning it would stifle speech and innovation.
The New York Times, BBC, and FOX News contributed to this report.
