WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump urged the U.S. Supreme Court to delay enforcing a law banning TikTok or forcing its sale.
Trump believes he should have time after taking office to address the matter through political discussions and resolutions.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Jan. 10, as TikTok faces a critical divestment or ban deadline.
TikTok’s Future in Jeopardy
The law requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell to a U.S. firm by Jan. 19 or face a ban.
If TikTok, with over 170 million U.S. users, fails to comply, it could be banned nationwide on the same date.
Trump Changes Course on TikTok
Trump’s stance marks a shift from 2020 when he pushed to block TikTok and demanded its sale over security concerns.
This new approach follows TikTok’s effort to improve relations with Trump and his team during the presidential campaign.
Trump’s Legal Team Makes Case
D. John Sauer, Trump’s attorney, requested the Supreme Court extend the Jan. 19 deadline to allow further administrative review.
Sauer emphasized the administration is not taking a position on the dispute but seeks more time for a political solution.
Warm Relations With TikTok CEO
Trump recently met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, expressing he has a “warm spot” for the app and its operations.
The president-elect also credited TikTok with billions of views during his campaign, signaling its political and digital importance.
TikTok Pushes Back Legally
ByteDance has challenged the law in court, arguing for its repeal, but TikTok has not commented on Trump’s intervention yet.
The looming deadline will determine TikTok’s status and its ability to continue operations within the United States.
Impact on the Digital Landscape
If ByteDance does not divest and the law stands, TikTok users may lose access, altering the social media landscape.
Conclusion
Trump’s request highlights efforts to delay the ban, balancing political resolutions with concerns over national security and digital access.