President-Elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to postpone the enforcement of a new rule that would outlaw TikTok until its Chinese parent firm sells it. One day before Trump is expected to be sworn in for his second term as president, on January 19, 2025, the bill is expected to go into force.
According to John Sauer, Trump’s attorney, in a brief filed on Friday, December 27, the former president is requesting that the Court halt the ban so that he can attempt to find a “political resolution.”
Donald Trump emphasized his negotiating skills, stating in the filing that he has “the electoral mandate and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns.”
The former president referred to himself as “one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history.” He has about 15 million TikTok followers. He maintained that if he returns to government, he will be in a unique position to deal with the problem.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s transition spokesperson, reinforced this stance in a statement to TMZ: “Today, President Donald J. Trump filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Court to extend the deadline that would cause TikTok’s imminent shutdown and allow President Trump the opportunity to resolve the issue in a way that saves TikTok and preserves American national security once he resumes office as President of the United States on January 20, 2025.”
Citing national security concerns, the government defended the measure by claiming that TikTok’s ownership by a Chinese corporation might permit the Chinese government to exert undue influence.
TikTok has argued that the restriction would be unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Claims that the platform is a security danger are still refuted by the platform and its supporters.
The case highlights the larger discussion in the US about striking a balance between free speech, security, and technology.
