President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to delay a TikTok-related law. The law requires TikTok’s sale or shutdown by January 19, 2025. The deadline comes a day before Trump’s inauguration. He wants time for his administration to address the issue politically.
The court will hear arguments on January 10. Trump’s lawyer, D. John Sauer, also said Trump takes no stance on the case’s merits. He seeks to extend the deadline to allow a political resolution. President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April. ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, must sell the platform or face a ban.
TikTok previously asked for a delay, but the court also refused to pause enforcement. This leaves limited time for a decision after the January 10 hearing. Trump claims he could negotiate a resolution, citing his dealmaking skills and political mandate.
The law’s supporters cite national security concerns. They also fear the Chinese government could access U.S. user data or manipulate TikTok’s content. TikTok argues the law violates free speech rights under the First Amendment.
In December, Trump met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. He also expressed a softer stance, contrasting with his 2020 efforts to ban the app. The Justice Department defends the law, citing security risks. Chinese officials deny TikTok threatens U.S. security.
The Supreme Court’s decision will determine TikTok’s future in the U.S. The case highlights ongoing debates over security and free speech.
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