Trump Calls on Supreme Court to Delay TikTok Ban
In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay enforcement of a law that could see TikTok banned in the United States or forced into a sale. With arguments scheduled for January 10, Trump’s legal team has filed a request to postpone the January 19 deadline, citing the need for a “political resolution” once his administration takes office.
A Shift in Strategy
The law, signed earlier this year, requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations due to concerns over Chinese influence and national security. If the company fails to comply, the app will face a ban. While Trump previously supported efforts to block TikTok during his first term, his current approach reflects a stark reversal. Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, emphasized in the filing that the president-elect is not taking a position on the case’s underlying issues but seeks a delay to allow for diplomatic and political negotiations.
“President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute,” Sauer wrote, “but respectfully requests the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment… permitting his administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution.”
Implications for TikTok and Users
TikTok, with over 170 million users in the U.S., has repeatedly defended itself against allegations of Chinese government ties, maintaining that its American operations are independent and data is stored securely on U.S. servers. Critics of the ban, including free speech advocates, have likened the law to censorship practices seen in authoritarian regimes.
However, concerns over ByteDance’s control persist. Lawmakers and the Justice Department argue that TikTok’s algorithm could be manipulated to influence public opinion, creating a potential national security risk. These concerns have led to bipartisan support for the legislation.
The Stakes for Small Businesses
Beyond security concerns, the ban could have widespread economic consequences. TikTok has become a vital tool for marketing and revenue generation, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. An estimated 7 million businesses use the platform, and the potential ban could disrupt this $15 billion sector.
Despite the economic fallout, critics like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have called for the Court to uphold the ban, dismissing TikTok’s claims of First Amendment violations. McConnell argues that ByteDance hopes to delay the matter until a more favorable Justice Department is in place under Trump’s administration.
What’s Next?
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s request will determine the immediate future of TikTok in the U.S. For now, the case underscores the complex tensions between free speech, economic interests, and national security—a balancing act that the incoming administration must navigate carefully. Whether the app’s millions of American users will still have access by the end of January remains uncertain.