Trump’s stance on TikTok has fluctuated over time. In 2020, he attempted to ban the app unless ByteDance sold it, but his efforts were blocked by federal courts.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump launched his own TikTok account and assured followers he would “save TikTok in America” if elected. Despite these promises, Trump recently questioned the necessity of banning TikTok, asking, “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?”
Trump’s Legal Actions
On December 27, Trump filed a legal brief requesting the Supreme Court to delay its decision until after his inauguration on January 20.
The filing argues that the incoming administration should have the opportunity to address the political and constitutional questions surrounding the ban. The Department of Justice, however, has urged the justices to reject Trump’s request, citing its lack of focus on the First Amendment issues central to TikTok’s case.
Implications of the Ban
If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, TikTok’s availability in the U.S. will be drastically impacted:
- Downloading the App: After January 19, users will no longer be able to download TikTok from app stores. Apple and Google have been instructed to remove the app from their platforms once the ban takes effect.
- Existing Users: Current U.S.-based TikTok users, estimated at 170 million, will not be immediately prohibited from using the app. However, without updates or technical support, the app’s functionality will gradually decline, making it increasingly “unworkable.”
- Historical Precedents: India’s ban on TikTok in 2020, which affected 200 million users, led to a migration toward alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. A similar shift could occur in the U.S. if TikTok is banned.
Options for ByteDance and the U.S. Government
The only way to prevent the ban is for ByteDance to sell TikTok or demonstrate genuine efforts to divest. While American companies such as Oracle, Walmart, and Microsoft have previously expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, ByteDance has consistently refused to sell the platform.
