TikTok is one of the most popular apps in the United States – and the world. The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has garnered 170million American users since it rose to prominence during lockdown in 2020.
The platform has become a source of information and education for young people, and a full-time job for content creators and influencers. But in the next few days, its lifespan on the other side of the Atlantic looks to be cut short.
The app faces a nationwide ban on Sunday, January 19, following concerns around potential national security risks regarding the company’s ties to China. Donald Trump, who boasts 14.7million TikTok followers and will be inaugurated a day after the proposed ban, requested a delay to the deadline to facilitate time for a “political resolution.”
Now, the GOP leader is looking to “save” TikTok ahead of its lingering demise. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, selected by Trump for national security adviser, said on Wednesday that the president-elect is considering ways to “preserve” the video app.
It came as Fox News anchor Bret Baier questioned Waltz about a Washington Post report suggesting Trump might issue an executive order to halt enforcement of a federal law threatening a nationwide ban on the platform by Sunday.
“If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear,” Waltz stated. “Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out.
“But number two, he’s going to protect their data. He’s a deal maker. I don’t want to get ahead of our executive orders, but we’re going to create this space to put that deal in place.”
Two people familiar with the deliberations told The Washington Post that Trump is keen to be seen as “making a deal” by signing an executive order. However, some legal experts argue the president’s word can’t entirely overcome a law that Congress approved with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Trump’s political allies said in a filing to the Supreme Court that he “alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform.”
Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok after previously attempting to ban it during his first term due to national security worries. During his 2024 presidential bid, he embraced the renowned app, with his campaign leveraging the platform to engage the electorate, mainly young men, by distributing macho-style content designed for viral reach.
During his campaign trail, Trump even vowed to “save TikTok” and credited the platform with gaining additional youth votes. Last month, the future head-of-state said he had a “warm spot in his heart” for the app.
Last week, the Supreme Court listened to oral arguments in a legal challenge against the statute by TikTok, its parent company ByteDance, and app users. The Justices seemed moved to support the law, which mandates ByteDance to divest from TikTok due to national security concerns or risk a ban in one of its largest markets.
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