Trump Asks Supreme Court to Delay Law Threatening TikTok Ban

President-elect Donald Trump has requested the US Supreme Court to delay enforcement of a law that would ban TikTok on January 19 unless its Chinese parent company divests ownership. Trump stated he needs additional time after his January 20 inauguration to explore a "negotiated resolution" to the matter.

In his filing, Trump emphasized his dealmaking expertise and political mandate to resolve the dispute while addressing national security concerns. However, he refrained from commenting on the constitutionality of the bipartisan law passed earlier this year.

This comes after contrasting arguments were presented to the Supreme Court on Friday. The Biden administration, led by the Justice Department, labeled Chinese control of TikTok as a "grave national security threat." US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued that the platform collects sensitive data on millions of Americans, potentially enabling covert foreign influence operations.

Conversely, TikTok urged the court to consider alternatives, asserting that Congress should only impose bans as a last resort, even in matters of national security. The company argued that TikTok's speech platform deserves protection under historical and legal precedent.

Trump, who previously supported a TikTok ban, recently expressed more favorable views of the platform, acknowledging its role in swaying young voters during the November election.

A federal appeals court in Washington had earlier upheld the law in a unanimous 3-0 decision, asserting that national security decisions fall under Congress and the president's purview. However, TikTok and a group of content creators continue to challenge the law.

The Supreme Court’s decision could influence the platform’s future in the United States and the broader discourse on balancing national security and digital freedoms.

For any enquiries or information, contact info@thelawreporters.com or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels