Trump and Biden Eye Agreement to Delay TikTok Ban

As the U.S. awaits a Supreme Court ruling that could lead to TikTok being banned as early as Sunday, both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration are exploring ways to delay or prevent the app’s shutdown.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue opinions Friday morning on a law targeting TikTok, which would require the app to be sold or face a national ban. While the court is widely expected to uphold the law, both Biden and Trump appear to be seeking alternatives to avoid an immediate ban.

Efforts to Save TikTok
President-elect Trump has discussed issuing an executive order to temporarily override the law, although legal experts note that such orders cannot entirely bypass bipartisan legislation. Similarly, Biden officials have explored delaying enforcement by granting a 90-day extension. However, the law stipulates that any extension requires “significant progress” toward TikTok’s sale to a U.S.-approved buyer.

Billionaire Elon Musk has emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations, according to Beijing authorities. Another proposal has come from a group led by Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary, which has also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok.

Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts have speculated about other potential buyers, including Amazon, Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle, all of which previously showed interest in the app.

Trump’s Shift on TikTok
Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok during his first term, softened his stance last year. In December, he urged the Supreme Court to pause enforcement of the TikTok ban, signaling his intention to negotiate a resolution that would address national security concerns while keeping the app operational.

In a symbolic gesture of support, TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday as one of the president-elect’s invited guests.

Broader Implications
TikTok and its supporters argue that the law amounts to government overreach and suppression of free speech. However, proponents of the ban maintain that TikTok poses a significant national security threat due to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and its potential ties to Beijing’s government.

As both administrations weigh their options, the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance. Any delay in the ban would likely push the decision to Trump’s presidency, setting the stage for further negotiations in the weeks ahead.