US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will make a decision on whether to enforce a ban on TikTok in the country “in the not too distant future,” following a Supreme Court ruling that upholds a law blocking the popular app unless its Chinese parent company sells to an American firm by Sunday.
On Friday, the court’s nine justices unanimously agreed that Congress did not violate the US Constitution’s protection of free speech when it ordered the sale of TikTok last year, citing concerns over national security. The ruling emphasized that while TikTok offers a significant platform for expression and community for over 170 million Americans, its relationship with China raises serious security risks, particularly regarding its data collection practices.
“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court’s opinion read. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.”
Although the ruling will come on the last full day of President Joe Biden’s term in office, the White House has indicated that Trump will be the one to ultimately decide whether to enforce the ban. A White House official confirmed to multiple media outlets that Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, will make the final decision on the app’s future in the US.
Trump reacted to the ruling on his Truth Social platform on Friday, stating, “The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”
While Trump previously sought to ban TikTok during his first term, citing national security risks over its Chinese ownership, his stance has shifted during his recent presidential campaign. “For all of those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump,” he stated, adding, “The other side is closing it up, but I’m now a big star on TikTok.”
The decision to enforce the ban will come amidst ongoing disputes between the US and China over the app’s data practices. TikTok has consistently denied accusations that it shares user data with the Chinese government. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has accused the US of “abusing state power to suppress foreign companies,” highlighting the growing tensions between the two countries.
In recent weeks, Trump reportedly met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Shou, who is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, has yet to comment on the ruling. Also attending the event will be Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, marking the continued high-level attention the TikTok issue is receiving.
