Donald Trump wants the Supreme Court to pause enforcement of a new law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. The law is set to go into effect on January 19, 2025, just one day before his presidential inauguration. Trump filed an amicus brief, asking the high court to delay the law so he can find another solution through political channels.
What Trump Is Saying
Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, wrote that the timing is unfair. He said the law goes into effect just before Trump takes office. That does not give the incoming leader a chance to negotiate a better path forward. The brief calls this deadline “unfortunately timed.”
Trump wants time to talk with TikTok and U.S. officials. He hopes to work out a deal that protects national security while keeping the app alive. Trump’s brief points to his experience in business and politics. He argues he can strike a deal better than the current approach.
What the U.S. Law Does
The law demands ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, put the app up for sale to a U.S. buyer or face a ban. If TikTok is not sold by the deadline, it must be removed from app stores and blocked on U.S. devices.
Lawmakers back this move for national security reasons. They worry ByteDance could hand over U.S. user data to the Chinese government. ByteDance denies that. The company has argued the ban hurts small creators and businesses that rely on TikTok to earn income.
TikTok Joins the Push for Delay
TikTok’s own legal team also asked for the same delay. They say they need more time to craft a plan that meets U.S. standards.They contend that a ban harms the app's developers, small businesses, and millions of users.
Trump and TikTok: A Shift in Opinion
Trump’s current stance is a big shift from what he said in 2020. Back then, he tried to ban TikTok as president. He even suggested Microsoft could buy the app. He said the U.S. Treasury should get “a lot of money” from such a deal, though he did not explain how.
Trump changed his mind during his second campaign in March 2024. He told CNBC he opposed a TikTok ban. He said such a ban would help Facebook, which he called “an enemy of the people.” He said he favored letting TikTok stay up if possible.
Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing
On January 10, 2025, the Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments about the TikTok ban. Whether the law may be implemented immediately or if it should wait until after Trump assumes office will be determined by the justices.
If the court agrees with Trump, TikTok may stay active while political efforts move forward.The app might be banned from the United States if the judge rejects the motion stores and devices by January 19.
Why It Matters
This case has a big impact on tech, law, and national policy. It sets a tone for how the U.S. might regulate foreign-owned apps in the future. It also raises questions about whether incoming presidents should have time to revise laws before they take effect.
Different Voices
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Supports delay: creators, small businesses, TikTok users, and those who fear data access laws may be too harsh.
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Lawmakers and security experts oppose the postponement, arguing that delaying jeopardises national interests.
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Legal watchers: note that the timing is rare. Having a law go into effect the day before a new president takes office is unusual.
Possible Outcomes from the Court
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Court delays the law.
Trump gets time to negotiate with TikTok.
TikTok stays active while talks continue. -
Court denies delay.
Law moves forward as planned.
TikTok must be sold or removed by January 19. -
Court sets a new decision date.
Case continues with full arguments.
Law enforcement may pause until the final ruling.
What This Means for Users & Creators
If TikTok gets banned:
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Users lose access to the app.
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App-based services will delete the app.
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Creators may lose income and audience connection.
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Small brands and shops lose a major marketing tool.
If delay is granted:
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App access continues for now.
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Negotiations may lead to sale or restructuring.
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Regulatory changes may follow to monitor user data better.
Key Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | Trump opposes TikTok ban publicly |
| Jan 10, 2025 | Supreme Court hears arguments |
| Jan 19, 2025 | Law to ban TikTok takes effect |
| Jan 20, 2025 | Trump takes office as president |
Final Thoughts
Trump's move to postpone the TikTok ban gives a well-known tech legal matter a fresh angle. He demands more time to work out a better deal. Citing harm to users and businesses, TikTok supports the proposal.
The Supreme Court now faces a major decision: let the ban go through or pause enforcement. That ruling will guide future policy on foreign-owned apps operating in the United States.