As the countdown to the U.S. presidential inauguration approaches, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Representative Mike Waltz, has made it clear that the new administration intends to keep TikTok operational in the United States if a viable deal can be reached. This statement comes amid rising tensions over the app’s Chinese ownership and concerns about national security.
Keeping TikTok Alive
Waltz emphasized on Fox News that the law allows for a 90-day extension for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to complete a divestiture. “We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of securing a viable deal to avoid a potential shutdown. The extension essentially provides President Trump with the opportunity to negotiate terms that would allow TikTok to continue its operations.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, echoed this sentiment, asserting that “President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save TikTok,” and touted Trump’s negotiating skills.
The Looming Ban
Despite these assurances, TikTok has indicated plans to halt its U.S. operations on Sunday, coinciding with a federal ban that could take effect barring any last-minute intervention. This ban is a result of legislation signed in April, which mandates that new downloads of the app be blocked on major platforms, including Apple and Google, unless ByteDance divests its ownership.
While existing users may still access the app, the law also prohibits U.S. companies from providing necessary services for its distribution, maintenance, or updates. This presents a significant hurdle for TikTok’s continued operation in the U.S.
High-Profile Attendance at Inauguration
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend the U.S. presidential inauguration on January 20, where he will sit among high-profile guests invited by Trump. This move has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Representative Frank Pallone, a leading Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, voiced his concerns on social media, questioning the mixed messages sent by inviting Chew despite ongoing national security concerns related to the app.
Legal Challenges Ahead
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating whether to uphold the ban on TikTok. The court faces three potential outcomes: allowing the ban to take effect, overturning the law, or pausing the implementation of the law to further review the situation. This decision could significantly impact the future of TikTok in the United States.
ByteDance’s Structure
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is privately held and primarily owned by institutional investors, including BlackRock and General Atlantic, while its founders and employees hold a 20% stake each. The company has a substantial presence in the U.S., employing over 7,000 individuals.
Conclusion
As the situation surrounding TikTok continues to develop, the commitment from Trump’s administration to keep the app operational will be tested against legislative and legal challenges. With both political and public opinion at play, the coming days will be crucial for determining the app’s future in the U.S. The outcome could reshape the landscape of social media and international business relations.
