As the clock ticks down on a potential TikTok ban in the United States, a complex political drama is unfolding in Washington. The popular social media platform’s fate hangs in the balance as President Biden’s administration prepares to hand over the reins to President-elect Trump, who has emerged as an unlikely ally for the Chinese-owned app.
Biden defers TikTok decision to incoming administration
According to a U.S. official speaking anonymously, President Joe Biden will not enforce the congressionally mandated ban on TikTok set to take effect January 19, just one day before he leaves office. This decision effectively transfers the responsibility for the app’s future to the incoming Trump administration.
The legislation, signed by Biden last year, requires ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. This deadline has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and tech industry leaders.
Bipartisan efforts to address TikTok’s future
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has advocated for extending the deadline, stating, “It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers.”
However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton blocked Democratic attempts to extend the deadline, expressing strong opposition to the platform. Cotton stated, “TikTok is a Chinese Communist spy app that addicts our kids, harvests their data, targets them with harmful and manipulative content, and spreads communist propaganda.”
Trump’s evolving stance and potential solutions
Trump’s position on TikTok has undergone a significant shift since his first term when he attempted to ban the app. During his 2024 campaign, he embraced the platform and pledged to preserve its availability in the U.S.
Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz indicated potential flexibility in handling the situation, noting that the law “allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table.” He added, “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.”
High-profile developments
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration with prominent seating on the dais, alongside tech industry leaders including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, and Jeff Bezos, according to sources familiar with the planning.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging the divestiture law, with early indicators suggesting the justices may uphold the legislation. This legal backdrop adds another layer of complexity to the incoming administration’s decisions regarding TikTok’s future in the United States.
