As TikTok faces a potential US ban set for mid-January, former President Donald Trump, now President-elect, is signaling his support for the app he once sought to prohibit. During his campaign, Trump frequently pledged to oppose banning the popular social media platform, a stance he’s now reinforcing ahead of his January inauguration.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have been navigating legal hurdles since a federal law passed by President Joe Biden in April mandated that ByteDance divest its US operations or face an American shutdown. The law, which gives ByteDance a nine-month deadline with an option for a three-month extension, could lead to TikTok’s removal from US app stores on January 19—just one day before Trump’s swearing-in.
Both ByteDance and the federal government are awaiting a ruling from an appeals court, expected by December 6. Any adverse decision will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court, further extending the legal battle. US officials have long argued that ByteDance’s Beijing ties could lead to data sharing with the Chinese government, despite TikTok’s assurances to the contrary.
Trump’s shift in stance contrasts with his previous concerns over TikTok’s security risks, voiced as recently as March. Analysts speculate that this new position may stem from support among ByteDance investors, though Trump denies any direct influence. Prominent conservatives such as former Trump adviser David Urban and Kellyanne Conway have also advocated for TikTok on behalf of ByteDance investors, while TikTok has invested significantly in lobbying efforts to stave off the ban.
If the current law stands, Trump’s incoming administration would need to enforce it. Options include an executive order to delay the ban or efforts to push Congress to amend the law. Republican support, however, remains uncertain, as concerns over TikTok’s ties to China persist. Trump may also reconsider the issue with fresh intelligence briefings once in office.
For now, TikTok’s future is in flux, as Trump’s evolving position adds an unexpected dimension to the app’s potential survival in the United States.