The CCP Begs Trump to Save TikTok!
China is begging Trump to Save their Chinese Propaganda App before the ban takes effect!
TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain as a ban looms under a law set to take effect on Sunday unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests the app. However, incoming President Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated the next day, has expressed a desire to save TikTok, with his advisers exploring options to delay the ban. TikTok CEO Shou Chew will attend Trump’s inauguration alongside major tech leaders, reflecting a shift in Trump’s stance on the app, which he previously sought to block. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal and executive actions that could prevent or briefly delay the app’s shutdown.
* NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: A move to save TikTok from Trump will signal that Trump is China First America Last. *
TikTok Ban Overview
TikTok faces a U.S. ban set to take effect on Sunday unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, divests its U.S. operations.
The ban stems from a law passed in 2023 to address national security concerns over TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Donald Trump’s Role and Inauguration
Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated as president the day after the ban takes effect, has expressed a desire to save TikTok.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration alongside prominent U.S. tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Trump’s advisers are reviewing legal options to delay the ban by 60 to 90 days.
Legal and Administrative Challenges
Legal scholars argue Trump cannot unilaterally delay the ban through an executive order.
The law allows a 90-day extension of the divestiture deadline only if significant progress is made toward a sale with legally binding agreements.
President Biden’s administration officials have stated they lack statutory authority to defer the law's implementation.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the law's constitutionality and may issue a stay before it takes effect.
Impact on TikTok and Potential Outcomes
TikTok plans to go dark in the U.S. when the law takes effect but could resume operations if Trump acts quickly after his inauguration.
If the ban is enforced, TikTok’s U.S. partners, including Oracle, could face legal risks under the law.
China’s Response and Alternatives
China has protested the U.S. ban, calling it a violation of First Amendment protections for speech.
Chinese officials have discussed allowing a trusted non-Chinese entity, such as Elon Musk, to invest in or take over TikTok's U.S. operations.
Political Implications
Trump views TikTok as a critical platform for engaging with young voters, despite his earlier efforts to block the app during his first term.
The situation reflects Trump’s evolving stance on TikTok, shifting from opposition to potential support for the app’s continuation in the U.S.
Timing and Urgency
The ban is set to take effect over a holiday weekend, complicating immediate responses.
TikTok’s fate could depend on legal, executive, or administrative actions within the next few days.
GO DEEPER
TikTok faces a U.S. ban set to take effect on Sunday unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests the app.
Incoming President Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated the next day, has expressed a desire to save TikTok.
Trump’s advisers are exploring options to delay the ban by 60 to 90 days.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration alongside major U.S. tech leaders.
The ban stems from a law passed last year to address national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
Legal scholars argue that Trump cannot unilaterally delay the ban through an executive order.
President Biden’s administration officials claim they lack statutory authority to defer the law's implementation.
The Supreme Court is weighing the constitutionality of the law and could issue a stay.
TikTok plans to go dark in the U.S. if the ban is enforced but may resume operations if Trump acts quickly after inauguration.
China has protested the ban, and TikTok argues it violates First Amendment protections for speech.
Chinese officials are reportedly exploring options, such as allowing a non-Chinese entity like Elon Musk to invest in TikTok's U.S. operations.
Trump views TikTok as a key platform to connect with younger voters, despite his prior efforts to block the app during his first term.