TikTok, the beloved video-sharing platform, is facing a potential ban in the U.S. set for January 19, 2025, as the countdown continues with 2024 just around the corner.
In a significant development just weeks ahead of Christmas, the Supreme Court of the United States has decided to hear an appeal from TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, with oral arguments scheduled to begin on January 10.
President-elect Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, is urging the Supreme Court to stay the TikTok ban, claiming he has the unique ability to address the concerns behind the proposed ban and keep the platform operational.
Trump Seeks to Rescue TikTok
In his message to the Supreme Court, Trump outlines various reasons he believes he is uniquely suited to resolve the national security issues tied to TikTok’s ownership by a China-based entity, while simultaneously preventing a ban.
In his court brief, Trump highlights his significant TikTok following of over 14 million and points to the platform’s role in his successful reelection campaign. He references Brazil’s recent ban on another social media platform to illustrate the risks associated with government-imposed bans. Additionally, Trump touts his experience as the founder of Truth Social, emphasizing his insight into social media matters.
Trump’s messaging also underscores his reputation as a skilled dealmaker, suggesting that he alone possesses the ability to negotiate a viable resolution while addressing national security concerns raised by the government.
A Change of Heart on TikTok
It’s noteworthy that discussions about a potential TikTok ban began during Trump’s first term in office. He approached the idea of banning TikTok in late 2020, prompting the platform to collaborate with Oracle to host U.S. data in compliance with his administration’s demands.
However, following Trump’s loss in 2020, the momentum for a ban dwindled. Under the Biden administration, the scrutiny surrounding TikTok’s ties to ByteDance was revived, leading to renewed pressure for the company to divest its U.S. operations. Now, leveraging TikTok’s influence during his 2024 campaign, Trump appears to have shifted his stance on the platform.
This month, Trump held a meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago. At a recent conservative gathering, he expressed positivity about TikTok’s performance, noting impressive view counts on his videos and suggesting the platform should remain operational.
While the specifics of Trump’s TikTok metrics remain unclear, earlier reports indicate that his most-viewed video achieved 179 million views, and he has not posted content on the platform since election day.
