With TikTok's impending ban, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, asserts that measures will be taken to avert the app's shutdown as concerns over its Chinese ownership loom large.
Trump Aims to Rescue TikTok Ahead of Imminent Ban
Trump Aims to Rescue TikTok Ahead of Imminent Ban
In a last-minute effort to prevent a TikTok ban in the US, President-elect Donald Trump's national security adviser reveals potential interventions are in the works.
As the deadline for a ban on TikTok approaches this weekend, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly seeking solutions to save the popular social media app. Congressman Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican and Trump's soon-to-be national security adviser, stated on Thursday that the incoming administration will take measures to ensure TikTok can continue to operate without interruption.
The potential ban stems from legislation mandating TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a complete shutdown. If the Supreme Court upholds this law, Waltz indicated that Trump would intervene through an executive order to suspend any immediate actions leading to TikTok's closure.
According to NBC News, the Biden administration is also exploring options to prevent the app from vanishing unexpectedly. ByteDance has hinted that it may disable access for approximately 170 million users in the United States as early as Sunday. Waltz stressed the possibility of a 90-day extension for ByteDance to negotiate a sale if meaningful progress is demonstrated, effectively buying time for Trump to implement his strategy.
In a recent appearance on Fox News, Waltz alluded to Trump's intentions to issue an executive order regarding the ban. However, the feasibility of circumventing a Congressional law remains uncertain. The app faces restrictions due to national security concerns about data potentially being accessed by the Chinese government, a claim the company denies.
Notably, Trump has invited TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to his inauguration ceremony, suggesting a potential opening for dialogue even as the ban looms. The Supreme Court heard arguments last week related to the law, with a decision anticipated soon.
Bipartisan legislation signed by President Joe Biden last April laid the foundation for the current situation, allowing ByteDance nine months to secure an American purchaser or risk losing access to the platform. While both past administrations have switched their positions on TikTok, the urgency to find a resolution is palpable as the ban draws nearer.
