As the Supreme Court backs a ban on TikTok, President-elect Trump inherits a high-stakes decision: enforce the restriction or seek a solution to preserve the platform. With national security concerns at the forefront and ongoing talks with TikTok’s leadership and China, Trump’s choice could reshape the app’s future in the U.S.
BY PC bureau
The fate of TikTok is now in President-elect Donald Trump’s hands after the Supreme Court upheld a ban on the app Friday. While the Biden administration confirmed it would not enforce the ban, set to begin on Sunday, January 19—just a day before Trump’s inauguration—the decision to preserve or eliminate TikTok in the U.S. will rest with the incoming administration.
“The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not-too-distant future, but I must have time to review the situation.”
🚨🚨 Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that everyone must respect SCOTUS decision on Tik Tok. I still think he makes a deal happen to keep it running pic.twitter.com/FG483ABYE8
— Based DK (@Back_2TheMiddle) January 17, 2025
The ruling marks a pivotal moment for TikTok, which has faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and officials over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. President Biden signed a bipartisan law last year requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The Supreme Court backed Congress’s view that divestiture was necessary to address risks, citing the potential misuse of data by a foreign adversary.
In its ruling, the Court acknowledged TikTok’s cultural and social significance, noting that “for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive outlet for expression and community.” However, it upheld the law as a necessary measure to protect national security.
ByteDance has resisted the divestiture requirement, arguing it infringes on the company’s First Amendment rights and those of its users. TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed disappointment with the ruling but struck a hopeful tone, thanking Trump for his willingness to discuss solutions.
In a video posted after the decision, Chew noted TikTok’s ongoing popularity in the U.S., highlighting that Trump-related content alone has amassed over 60 billion views on the platform. “We are committed to working with the incoming administration to keep TikTok available to our U.S. users,” Chew said.
ALSO READ: What is TikTok’s future in US after Supreme Court upholds ban?
Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew responds to the Supreme Court: “I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps Tik Tok available in the US. This is a strong stand for the first amendment and against arbitrary censorship”
What are your… pic.twitter.com/UPH8sNLvct— GrannysGems (@Roby73705910) January 17, 2025
Trump’s evolving stance on TikTok could prove critical. In 2020, his administration sought to ban the app, citing similar concerns, though the effort was blocked by a federal judge. Recently, however, Trump has struck a softer tone, reflecting on the app’s influence. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” he said in December, noting the app’s role in engaging younger voters..
Negotiations over TikTok’s future are already underway. Trump has held discussions with both TikTok executives and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a potential path forward. “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe,” Trump said on Friday, referencing their conversation.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, suggested a compromise may be possible. “TikTok itself is a fantastic platform,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News. “We’re going to find a way to preserve it while protecting people’s data.”
As Trump prepares to take office, TikTok’s millions of U.S. users await his decision, hoping the platform might receive a lifeline from the new president.
