(qlmbusinessnews.com . Tues 21st Jan, 2025) London, UK —
“TikTok and Trump: The Legal Battle Over National Security”
The popular video-sharing platform TikTok has resumed services for its 170 million users in the United States after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to delay a controversial law banning the app. The announcement came ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
On Saturday evening, TikTok suspended operations for US users in compliance with a law that had come into effect, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. However, by Sunday, TikTok announced it was in the process of restoring services after Trump indicated he would issue an executive order to provide the app with a temporary reprieve.
In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump for “providing clarity and assurance,” adding that the company was committed to working with the incoming administration to secure a long-term resolution. A popup message within the app even thanked Trump by name as services resumed.
Trump’s Shift on TikTok
The move marks a reversal for Trump, who had previously supported a ban on TikTok due to its ties to China’s ByteDance. While campaigning for the presidency, Trump had softened his stance, highlighting the platform’s role in generating billions of views for his videos during the election.
Trump also took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, stating: “I will issue an executive order to extend the period before the law’s prohibitions take effect, giving us time to make a deal that protects national security.”
TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend the inauguration, signalling the company’s willingness to engage with the new administration.
Legal Challenges and Political Division
The law requiring TikTok to be banned or sold was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, with bipartisan support from Congress. It mandates that the US version of the app be removed from app stores and hosting services unless ByteDance sells its US operations.
While Trump’s executive order may provide temporary relief, legal experts have questioned the scope of his authority to override an enacted law. Professor Carl Tobias from the University of Richmond noted that while the president can postpone such measures for up to 90 days, conditions requiring substantial progress on national security concerns must be met.
“This situation remains legally murky,” Tobias said, adding that litigation could ensue if Trump’s order clashes with the existing law.
Political Fallout
Trump’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from within his own party. His nominee for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had been a vocal supporter of the ban, citing concerns over Chinese influence. Meanwhile, Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton warned companies against aiding TikTok, stating they could face severe legal repercussions.
Despite the controversy, the app has resumed functioning for existing users. However, questions remain about whether app stores like Apple and Google will support future downloads of TikTok.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance, with Trump’s promised executive order likely to face scrutiny from Congress and the courts alike.
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