Trump Appeals to Supreme Court to ‘Save’ TikTok

Trump Appeals to Supreme Court to ‘Save’ TikTok

Former President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in 2020 threatening to ban TikTok in the U.S., has filed a request with the Supreme Court urging a delay in the app’s shutdown. The nationwide ban is set to take effect on January 19 unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its U.S. operations to an American company.

In a 25-page brief submitted by his solicitor general nominee, D. John Sauer, Trump requested the court to extend the deadline past his January 20 inauguration. He argued that his administration could work toward a negotiated resolution that would safeguard TikTok users’ First Amendment rights while addressing national security concerns.

Trump, who claims to be “one of the most influential social media users in history,” emphasized his connection with the platform, citing his 14.7 million followers. He described TikTok as a vital medium for freedom of expression, including political speech.

The brief stated that Trump takes no position on the dispute’s legal merits but believes a resolution negotiated under his leadership could prevent TikTok’s shutdown. It added, “President Trump uniquely possesses the expertise, mandate, and political determination to save the platform while ensuring national security.”

During his presidency, Trump issued an executive order in 2020 requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets or face a ban. Oracle, a company co-founded by Trump ally Larry Ellison, was selected as TikTok’s U.S. cloud provider in September of that year.

In April, President Joe Biden signed legislation giving ByteDance until January 19 to sell its TikTok stake or face a nationwide ban.

Trump recently expressed a more favorable view of TikTok. During a meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago estate, he acknowledged the platform’s role in his political success, saying, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. Some say TikTok had something to do with that.”

Trump’s appeal underscores his belief in his ability to strike a deal that balances freedom of speech and national security—a move he argues only he can achieve.