With just days until his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court delay a law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. The law, scheduled to take effect on January 19, 2025—just one day before Trump’s inauguration—has been described by his legal team as “unfortunately timed.”
In an amicus brief submitted to the court, Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, argued that the incoming president should have the opportunity to address the issue “through political means.” The brief emphasized Trump’s extensive experience in dealmaking, citing his ability to negotiate a solution that balances national security concerns with preserving TikTok’s presence in the United States. Sauer’s filing also referenced Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, as a testament to his understanding of digital platforms and their implications.
TikTok’s legal team has also raised concerns over the timing of the ban, describing it as potentially disruptive and advocating for a delay to allow further dialogue. The company has sought to engage with policymakers to resolve the government’s national security worries, a sentiment echoed by Trump’s legal filing.
This marks a notable shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok compared to his first presidential term. In 2020, he actively pursued a ban on the platform, even suggesting that Microsoft could broker a deal to acquire TikTok in a way that would benefit the U.S. Treasury. However, his position has evolved in recent years. Speaking to CNBC in March, Trump criticized the idea of banning TikTok, arguing that it could inadvertently strengthen Facebook, which he has labeled “an enemy of the people” and a competitor to his own platform.
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding the TikTok ban on January 10, 2025, just days before the law’s enforcement. The outcome of this case may determine whether the incoming administration will have the chance to broker a deal that avoids a ban while addressing concerns over national security.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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In an amicus brief submitted to the court, Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, argued that the incoming president should have the opportunity to address the issue “through political means.” The brief emphasized Trump’s extensive experience in dealmaking, citing his ability to negotiate a solution that balances national security concerns with preserving TikTok’s presence in the United States. Sauer’s filing also referenced Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, as a testament to his understanding of digital platforms and their implications.
TikTok’s legal team has also raised concerns over the timing of the ban, describing it as potentially disruptive and advocating for a delay to allow further dialogue. The company has sought to engage with policymakers to resolve the government’s national security worries, a sentiment echoed by Trump’s legal filing.
This marks a notable shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok compared to his first presidential term. In 2020, he actively pursued a ban on the platform, even suggesting that Microsoft could broker a deal to acquire TikTok in a way that would benefit the U.S. Treasury. However, his position has evolved in recent years. Speaking to CNBC in March, Trump criticized the idea of banning TikTok, arguing that it could inadvertently strengthen Facebook, which he has labeled “an enemy of the people” and a competitor to his own platform.
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding the TikTok ban on January 10, 2025, just days before the law’s enforcement. The outcome of this case may determine whether the incoming administration will have the chance to broker a deal that avoids a ban while addressing concerns over national security.
Read next:
• Optimizing Websites for AI Crawlers: Key Insights from Vercel’s Latest Report
• Unchecked Sharing of Political Content Fuels Misinformation on Social Media
