Trump Urges Supreme Court to Grant Him Time to Resolve the TikTok Crisis Politically
Amid growing controversy over the potential ban of the social media platform “TikTok” in the United States,
President-elect Donald Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court to delay the enforcement of a law threatening the platform’s shutdown.
Trump emphasized his desire to seek a political resolution to the dispute after taking office.
This stance reflects a shift in his approach to the issue,
highlighting the importance of striking a balance between national security concerns and protecting freedom of expression.
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Court Details
Request to Delay the Decision Until a Political Solution is Found
President-elect Donald Trump has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to suspend the implementation of a law that would ban the social media platform “TikTok,” scheduled to take effect on January 19 unless the Chinese parent company sells it.
Trump stressed the importance of being given time after his inauguration on January 20 to work towards a “political resolution” to the conflict, rather than rushing into immediate enforcement of the law.
Trump’s Position and Arguments Before the Court
In a memo submitted to the court, Trump outlined his expertise in negotiating political deals,
emphasizing the electoral mandate and political support he possesses to negotiate a solution that preserves the platform while addressing national security concerns raised by the U.S. government.
Trump’s request came after written arguments were filed by both parties on Friday.
The Biden administration, through the Department of Justice, argued that Chinese control of “TikTok” poses a threat to national security.
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar explained that the platform collects sensitive data on millions of Americans,
making it a potential tool for foreign influence.
The Law and Alternatives
Alternatives to the Ban and TikTok’s Stance
For its part, TikTok urged the court to consider less extreme alternatives to a complete ban.
The company argued that history and legal precedents show that banning expression should be Congress’s last resort,
even in cases involving national security threats.
Trump’s Changing Attitude Toward TikTok
While Trump initially supported banning TikTok, he has recently adopted a more positive tone toward the platform. In a statement earlier this month, he expressed “warmth” toward TikTok, noting its role in attracting young voters to support him during the November elections.
Judicial Support for the Law and Ongoing Challenges
The Federal Appeals Court in Washington upheld the law unanimously, asserting that Congress and the president hold broad powers in making decisions related to national security. However, the law continues to face legal challenges from content creators who argue that the ban infringes on their rights.
Trump prioritizes finding a solution that balances national security concerns with preserving freedom of expression, leaving the future of TikTok in the United States dependent on the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision.
Trump Urges Supreme Court to Grant Him Time to Resolve the TikTok Crisis Politically
