President-elect Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to postpone the enforcement of a law that mandates the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States. The law, set to take effect on January 19, 2025—one day before Trump’s inauguration—requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest from the app due to national security concerns.
In an amicus brief filed by John Sauer, Trump’s designated Solicitor General, the President-elect argues that delaying the ban would allow his incoming administration to negotiate a resolution that addresses security issues without resorting to an outright prohibition. Sauer emphasized Trump’s “consummate dealmaking expertise” and his commitment to preserving the platform while safeguarding national security.
This stance marks a reversal from Trump’s earlier position during his first term, when he advocated for banning TikTok over similar security concerns. During his recent campaign, Trump pledged to “save TikTok,” highlighting its significance as a medium for free expression and political speech.
The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for January 10, 2025, to assess TikTok’s appeal against the law, which the company contends violates First Amendment rights. TikTok, with over 170 million U.S. users, maintains that it has not shared user data with the Chinese government and argues that the forced divestment infringes upon free speech protections.
As the deadline approaches, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. The incoming administration’s approach to this issue could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations and the regulation of foreign-owned technology platforms operating within the United States.
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