In a surprising move, President-elect Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to delay the implementation of a law set to ban TikTok in the United States beginning mid-January. This request aims to provide Trump with additional time to forge a political solution prior to his inauguration.
April saw Congress pass a bipartisan law mandating the divestment of TikTok’s Chinese parent company within nine months, or else face removal from U.S. app stores. As this deadline looms on January 19, one day before Trump is slated to take office again, the president-elect has shifted from supporting the ban to seeking alternatives.
In his recent submission to the Supreme Court, Trump emphasized his renowned negotiation skills and expressed confidence in achieving a satisfactory resolution. His lawyers underscored his capability to address the national security concerns that Congress highlighted, while also preserving TikTok’s presence as a social media platform.
Despite previously endorsing a complete ban, Trump’s evolving stance appears to be influenced by his personal appreciation for TikTok. Earlier this month, he met with the CEO of the platform, remarking on his newfound fondness for the app.
Legal analysts have pointed to several potential strategies that Trump might employ to keep TikTok operational in the U.S. These include instructing the Department of Justice to overlook the divestment requirement or revising strategic interpretations of the law.
Trump’s team also argues that the president-elect possesses a mandate from American citizens to safeguard their freedom of expression, including social media rights. Citing Trump’s substantial following of 14.7 million TikTok users, his lawyers highlight his active engagement with the platform as crucial for preserving free speech and political discourse.
As the debate surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. intensifies, Trump’s latest appeal to the Supreme Court underscores the complexity of balancing national security with digital rights. The upcoming decision will likely set a precedent regarding the intersection of technology, politics, and freedom of expression.
Source: Businessinsider
