Trump Proposes Delay on TikTok Ban, Eyes Joint Venture with U.S. Ownership
TikTok experienced a temporary shutdown for users in the United States on Saturday night, raising concerns about the app’s future. However, there may be a glimmer of hope for TikTok users, as President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at a possible resolution.
Trump’s Plans for TikTok
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced his intention to issue an executive order on Monday that aims to extend the timeline before the law restricting TikTok takes effect. This pause is designed to create an opportunity to negotiate a deal that prioritizes national security.
Potential Extensions and Ownership Deals
Even prior to TikTok’s brief outage, Trump had indicated a strong likelihood of granting the company a 90-day extension. His post outlined an “initial thought” on what a potential agreement could involve:
- A joint venture involving current owners and/or new owners.
- The United States would secure a 50% ownership stake in TikTok.
Legislative Background and Supreme Court Ruling
Last April, a bipartisan majority in Congress passed legislation mandating that ByteDance either sell TikTok or face a ban within the United States. This legislation was promptly signed into law by President Joe Biden. Trump had previously attempted to force a sale during his first term but has now voiced opposition to an outright ban.
On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law, which was set to take effect on Sunday. As Trump’s inauguration approaches, both White House and Department of Justice officials have indicated they would defer the implementation of the ban to the incoming president.
Concerns from TikTok
In response to the situation, TikTok expressed that its “critical service providers” require a more definitive statement to ensure they would not face penalties for continuing to host or list the app. Without these assurances, TikTok could not remain active. A White House spokesperson dismissed TikTok’s stance as a “stunt.”
When the app went offline, TikTok informed users that they were optimistic about a resolution, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
Trump’s Call to Action
In his post, Trump expressed a desire for TikTok to resume operations even before his executive order is issued. He urged companies not to allow TikTok to remain dark, asserting that his forthcoming order would eliminate any liability for businesses that assist in keeping TikTok operational before the order is finalized.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” Trump concluded, emphasizing the importance of access to the app during significant national events.
For more details on the ongoing situation with TikTok, visit The New York Times or check our politics section for more updates.
