President-elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to postpone any implementation of a potential TikTok ban until after he assumes office on Jan. 20, highlighting his intent to address the issue through negotiations.

The request centers on concerns about TikTok’s ownership ties to China and differing approaches to the platform between outgoing and incoming administrations, as Just the News reports.

TikTok Ban Looms Amid Security Concerns

The legal battle over TikTok, a Chinese-owned social media platform, has been ongoing for months due to concerns over its connections to China. President Joe Biden had previously signed legislation in April mandating its removal from U.S. app stores by Jan. 19. This law requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its ownership of the app to avoid the ban.

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments regarding the case on Jan. 10, just nine days before the app removal deadline. This leaves little time for resolution under the current administration, which has taken a hardline stance on TikTok’s potential risks to U.S. national security.

Trump Advocates for Political Resolution

President-elect Trump’s request to delay the decision reflects a stark contrast to his predecessor’s approach. Trump’s legal team argues that he has both the “political will” and public support to resolve the issue through diplomatic means rather than imposing an outright ban on the platform.

Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, emphasized that the president-elect opposes banning TikTok in its current form. He argued that such a drastic measure should only be considered after Trump has had the opportunity to address the matter as president. Sauer noted that the incoming administration has the mandate to negotiate a resolution that balances national security concerns with the platform’s popularity.

National Security at Center of Debate

The controversy surrounding TikTok stems from allegations that the app could be used as a tool by the Chinese government. Critics fear that TikTok’s data collection practices could compromise the privacy and security of its American users, providing the Chinese government with access to sensitive information. ByteDance, however, has denied these claims, asserting that it is not controlled by any state entity.

These concerns have led to heightened scrutiny from U.S. officials, prompting the current administration to push for divestment as a solution. While President Biden’s administration has prioritized the removal of the app under ByteDance’s ownership, Trump’s approach appears more flexible, focusing on negotiation rather than immediate action.

Trump Highlights TikTok’s Popularity

Trump’s request also underscores his recognition of TikTok’s cultural significance, particularly among younger voters. The app has become a dominant platform for entertainment and communication, boasting millions of users in the United States. Trump has indicated his desire to keep TikTok available to Americans, even under its current ownership, as long as national security concerns are addressed.

The president-elect’s position is likely influenced by the platform’s role in connecting with younger demographics, a key part of his broader political strategy. His administration’s approach aims to balance these considerations with the need to safeguard U.S. interests.

Legal and Political Stakes Remain High

The outcome of this case carries significant implications for U.S.-China relations, digital security, and the tech industry. The Supreme Court’s decision, whether delayed or not, will set a precedent for how the U.S. government handles foreign-owned technology companies operating within its borders.

As the Jan. 19 deadline approaches, the Biden administration has maintained its push for TikTok’s removal unless ownership changes occur. However, Trump’s proposed delay introduces an alternative path that could reshape the trajectory of the ongoing dispute.

Next Steps for Supreme Court

The Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on Jan. 10 will mark a critical moment in this case. Legal experts anticipate intense debate over the legality and necessity of the proposed ban, as well as the broader implications for international business and cybersecurity.

Trump’s legal team has argued that delaying the decision would allow the incoming administration to pursue a solution that considers both security and public interest. “The incoming president holds the electoral mandate and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns,” Sauer stated in a brief.

Post-Inauguration Path Forward

Should the Supreme Court agree to Trump’s request, the responsibility for resolving the TikTok issue will fall squarely on his administration. This delay would allow Trump to engage in direct negotiations with ByteDance, potentially averting the need for a ban.

The case’s outcome will also serve as an early test of Trump’s approach to balancing national security priorities with the economic and cultural impacts of such decisions. It remains unclear how this approach will differ from the Biden administration’s policies, but Trump’s emphasis on diplomacy could signal a shift in strategy.

The Bottom Line

As the TikTok ban deadline nears, the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision will play a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s future in the United States. President-elect Trump’s request for a delay reflects his administration’s intention to address the issue through negotiation rather than enforcement.

For millions of TikTok users, the outcome of this case will determine whether the app continues to be a part of their daily lives. Meanwhile, the broader implications for U.S. national security and foreign policy underscore the high stakes of this ongoing legal battle.