US President-elect Donald Trump has made a surprising move by urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok in the US.
The law, set to take effect on January 19, 2025, would require TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the platform or face a ban.
Trump’s legal team argues that the court should grant more time to address the issues, allowing Trump to pursue a “political resolution” after his inauguration on January 20.
This development marks a significant reversal in Trump’s stance on TikTok. During his first term, he was fiercely opposed to the platform, citing national security concerns and alleging that the Chinese government could tap into US users’ data or manipulate the content they see.
However, Trump has recently expressed support for TikTok, stating that he has a “warm spot” for the platform and believes it provides necessary competition in the social media landscape.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s appeal against the law, with oral arguments scheduled for January 10. The case raises important questions about free speech, national security, and the role of foreign-owned companies in the US tech industry.
A coalition of free speech groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, has also filed a brief opposing the law, citing concerns about censorship and the potential disruption to Americans’ online activities.
