President-elect Donald Trump has called on the Supreme Court to delay a looming TikTok ban, promising to address the issue once he takes office on January 20. The ban, scheduled for January 19, stems from concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential risks to U.S. national security.
Trump’s lawyers argued that he is uniquely positioned to resolve the matter through negotiations, emphasizing his skills as a dealmaker and his connection with TikTok’s millions of U.S. users. In his Supreme Court filing, Trump acknowledged the serious national security concerns but warned that banning TikTok could set a dangerous precedent for government censorship and hurt free speech rights.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is fighting the ban, claiming the legislation violates the First Amendment. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has expressed scepticism about ByteDance’s ability to operate independently from China, insisting the only solution is for the company to sell its U.S. operations.
Trump’s stance marks a significant shift from 2020 when he attempted to ban TikTok himself. During his 2024 campaign, Trump embraced the platform, using it to connect with younger voters. He has since described TikTok as a “unique medium for freedom of expression.”
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10, leaving TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain.
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