With just days left until January 19, the US may implement a ban on the popular short-form video app TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, agrees to sell it. A spokesman for the Biden administration clarified to the Associated Press (AP) that President-elect Donald Trump will have the final say on the matter, as the current administration will not impose the ban.
During his first term, Trump advocated for banning TikTok, citing national security concerns. However, he has since shifted his stance, expressing gratitude for the platform’s role in garnering support from younger voters during his campaign. Trump even pledged to “save TikTok” while ensuring data security for American users.
High-Profile Support and Legal Developments
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and will be seated alongside notable figures such as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, hinted that the administration might explore options to prevent TikTok from being banned entirely, adds NIXsolutions.
Waltz also mentioned on Fox News’ Fox & Friends that the federal law banning TikTok, set to take effect Sunday, allows for an extension if a viable deal emerges. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by TikTok, ByteDance, and app users challenging the legislation. The AP reported that the justices are likely to uphold the law, requiring ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a US ban.
Administration’s Stance and Future Updates
“If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the law, President Trump has emphasized two key points: TikTok is a valuable platform for Americans and has significantly contributed to his campaign outreach. However, he is equally committed to protecting user data,” Waltz stated on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, sidestepped a question during her Senate confirmation hearing about supporting a TikTok ban.
The situation remains fluid, and we’ll keep you updated as more developments unfold regarding TikTok’s future in the United States.