WASHINGTON — Although TikTok faced a ban in the United States earlier this year, President Donald Trump temporarily deferred the decision that Congress had passed to protect national security. Blocking TikTok’s ongoing operation may have sparked numerous lawsuits, yet there has been minimal controversy surrounding the president’s decision to suspend the 2024 U.S. law forcing TikTok’s sale by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Despite support from both political parties over the potential threat posed by TikTok’s connection to China, few in Congress have raised objections to the platform’s continued use. As a result, the popular social video app remains active, engaging 170 million users nationwide.
TikTok’s ability to remain available in the U.S. has also been influenced by tech companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle. They decided to continue supporting the app after assurances from Trump’s Justice Department to avoid severe fines under the current law.
President Trump authorized a 75-day suspension of the TikTok ban to allow ByteDance another opportunity to find a U.S. buyer. Trump hinted at a possible extension of this pause, expecting a deal by Saturday when the suspension ends. Meetings with aides are ongoing to explore potential parties interested in acquiring TikTok, with Oracle and Blackstone among those considered.
The suspension came after a swift legal challenge by TikTok, leading to the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld national security concerns over First Amendment rights. Supreme Court opinions emphasized China’s capability to gather user data, posing a risk for tracking government employees and contractors.
TikTok, which operates from Singapore and Los Angeles, prioritizes user safety, while the Chinese government denies any intention to demand data from foreign companies. Despite previously opposing TikTok, Trump’s stance evolved into support, acknowledging its role in attracting younger voters.
The law allows one 90-day pause given a deal is presented to Congress, yet President Trump’s actions seemingly bypass statutory limits. Some legal experts express doubt over possible challenges due to the app’s significant user base and potential hurdles in demonstrating legal harm from delayed enforcement.
This situation also illustrates an early example of the Trump administration’s disregard for legal protocols, prompting concerns from Democratic lawmakers over future legal vulnerabilities for tech companies. Failure to adhere to the TikTok law might accumulate significant legal liabilities for firms like Apple and Google.
While Oracle continues providing cloud services, Apple and Google initially removed TikTok from app stores until receiving assurance from the Justice Department. Democrats seek amendments to the law to push sale deadlines, yet others propose a full repeal of the ban.
Rep. John Moolenaar supports the ban focusing criticism on ByteDance and its association with the Chinese government. Multiple potential buyers have shown interest in TikTok’s U.S. operations, including entrepreneurs proposing significant financial offers and technological enhancements on user data control.
As discussions unfold, various parties position themselves to acquire TikTok’s assets and redefine its technological future, reflecting its persistent influence amid complex regulatory landscapes.