TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned video app, faces a potential ban in the United States in less than three months. However, hopes have been raised among TikTok users and employees that President-elect Donald Trump might intervene to help the app continue its U.S. operations.
Renewed Promises for TikTok’s Future
Trump’s team has emphasized that he intends to fulfill his campaign promises, although details remain uncertain. As Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s transition team, recently stated, “President Trump has been given a mandate by the American people, and he will deliver.”
A Surprising Shift from 2020
This support for TikTok marks a surprising shift from 2020, when Trump aimed to block the app and pressured ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its U.S. operations to avoid a ban. Since then, a bipartisan federal law passed that mandates TikTok must transfer ownership to a non-Chinese entity by January 19 or face an outright ban in the U.S.
TikTok’s Legal Challenge and the U.S. Government’s Response
TikTok has launched a legal challenge to the law, arguing that a forced sale is difficult due to Chinese government restrictions and that a ban would infringe on First Amendment rights. Despite TikTok’s objections, many experts believe U.S. courts may favor the government’s stance.
TikTok’s Efforts to Build Connections
In 2023, TikTok invested heavily in connecting with key figures in Trump’s campaign and administration. Tony Sayegh, a former Trump Treasury official, became a notable advisor for TikTok, frequently consulting with Shou Chew, TikTok’s CEO, and the public policy team.
Potential Pathways to Avoiding a Ban
Experts have mixed views on Trump’s potential actions regarding TikTok. Legal analyst Alan Rozenshtein suggests that Trump’s administration could choose to delay the ban or negotiate conditions with ByteDance, though a complete legislative reversal of the law would be complex.
The Broader U.S.-China Tech Tension
The U.S. government has long viewed TikTok as a national security risk, given concerns that China could potentially use the app to influence American users or collect sensitive data. While no concrete evidence has surfaced, the debate over TikTok highlights larger issues around tech ownership and user privacy.