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See how a bold move could reshape the future of the viral app
In a surprising twist, President-elect Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to hit the pause button on a law that could force TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to sell the popular app—or see it banned in the U.S. entirely. The deadline for action is looming, with the ban set to kick in on January 19, just one day before Trump’s inauguration.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is challenging the law—called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act—arguing that it’s unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on January 10, leaving a tight window to decide TikTok’s fate.
In a new legal filing, Trump’s lawyers described the timing of the ban as “unfortunate,” saying it could interfere with his ability to handle foreign policy. They also highlighted Trump’s own track record as a dealmaker, claiming he’s uniquely qualified to strike a balance that could keep TikTok in the U.S. while addressing any national security concerns.
🚨NOW: Trump just filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court to SAVE TikTok and stop the Ban
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT 👏 pic.twitter.com/zY45Fiz7HY
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) December 27, 2024
The filing pointed to Trump’s TikTok presence—14.7 million followers and counting—as proof of the platform’s role as a hub for free speech and political dialogue. “TikTok isn’t just an app; it’s a space for expression, creativity, and connection,” his team argued.
The controversy around TikTok isn’t new. Supporters of the law claim the app poses a national security risk, saying the Chinese government could use it to gather data or push propaganda. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok outright, has recently shifted his stance. During his presidential campaign, he posted on Truth Social: “FOR ALL OF THOSE THAT WANT TO SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA, VOTE TRUMP!”
🇺🇸🤡🇨🇳Donald Trump, president-elect of the First American free-speech government, has called on the US Supreme Court to suspend a law that would ban TikTok or force its Chinese owners to sell the asset
He argues that he should have time to "find a political solution" to "the… pic.twitter.com/XjhbW4ktkW
— Hawkeye1812Z (@Hawkeye1745) December 29, 2024
Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have also weighed in, filing briefs to back TikTok’s appeal. They argue the government hasn’t shown any solid evidence that the app poses an imminent threat.
With the deadline fast approaching, millions of TikTok users are left wondering: What’s next? Whether you’re a casual scroller or a creator with millions of followers, the Supreme Court’s decision could shape the future of TikTok—and the way we think about tech and free speech—for years to come.
