In brief
In a legal brief, Trump argues against the ban, emphasizing the need for a political resolution while the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments related to TikTok's ownership by ByteDance.
President-elect Donald Trump has officially requested the US Supreme Court to postpone the enforcement of an impending TikTok ban, aiming to explore solutions through political channels once he assumes office. On January 10, the court is set to review a law that mandates TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the social media platform to an American entity or face prohibition by January 19—the eve of Trump’s inauguration.In a legal brief submitted last Friday, Trump's legal representatives articulated his opposition to the TikTok ban and underscored the importance of “resolving the issues at hand” politically. The statute in question emerged amid widespread apprehension by US lawmakers regarding ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese government, a claim the company has consistently refuted.This federal law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, reflects Congress's intentions to either compel divestment or impose a ban, amidst accusations that the app poses a national security risk. TikTok and ByteDance have responded with various legal challenges against the law, arguing that it contravenes American free speech rights, though these efforts have largely fallen short. With the lack of a buyer, the Supreme Court represents their last hope to counteract this ban.Although the high court previously rejected an emergency injunction against the law, it has agreed to a hearing on January 10, shortly before the stipulated deadline. Recently, Trump met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his estate in Mar-a-Lago, indicating potential interest in negotiating.In his court file, Trump depicted the situation as a unique conflict between free-speech rights and national security, suggesting that delaying the deadline could provide him with the necessary leeway to pursue political remedies rather than judicial ones. The US Justice Department maintains that TikTok’s alleged connections to China result in significant national security concerns, a view echoed by multiple state governments. Nearly 24 state attorneys general, led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen, are advocating for the Supreme Court to uphold the legislation against ByteDance and TikTok.Earlier in December, a federal appeals court sided against TikTok, maintaining the legislation as a product of extensive bipartisan efforts. Interestingly, Trump has professed an appreciation for TikTok, referencing his strong support among youth voters despite a clear majority supporting his opponent, Kamala Harris, in the past election.
