Trump urges Supreme Court to delay TikTok decision until after his term begins

President-elect Donald Trump has stepped into the TikTok divestment fray with a U.S. Supreme Court filing, seeking to delay a final decision on the fate of the app.

As the Supreme Court readies for a pivotal hearing, Trump has asked for a high court postponement, hoping to personally handle the controversial TikTok matter after taking office, as the New York Post reports.

On Friday, Trump filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, advocating for an extension of TikTok’s divestment deadline, which currently falls on Jan. 19. This legal move comes just weeks before the Court's scheduled Jan. 10 hearing on the issue.

TikTok Faces Ban, Divestment Deadline Over National Security Concerns

The case revolves around a law demanding TikTok's sale due to fears of foreign influence, as its parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing and linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Trump's filing emphasizes the importance of extending the deadline to avoid a potential shutdown of the social media platform.

In his brief, Trump does not support any party but underscores the conflict between free speech rights and national security. He argues that his impending role as president makes him uniquely qualified to handle this complex issue.

Trump to Assume Control of U.S. Foreign Policy

The brief highlights Trump's soon-to-be responsibilities over U.S. national security and foreign policy, starting January 20, 2025, one day after the current deadline. It suggests that the timing undermines his ability to effectively manage foreign policy and resolve the TikTok issue.

According to Trump, the law allows for a possible 90-day extension under certain conditions, which could provide additional time for a more favorable resolution. His approach aims to protect national security while preserving a platform that supports the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans.

Supreme Court Expedites Hearing of TikTok Case

The Supreme Court has hastened its schedule to address this legal battle, setting the hearing just nine days before the enforcement deadline. This expedited timeline is critical as it impacts the app’s operations and its millions of users.

TikTok and ByteDance are seeking a temporary block on the enforcement of the law, pending their appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Meanwhile, TikTok has initiated "Project Texas," a $1.5 billion effort to address security concerns by hosting U.S. user data on domestic servers.

Trump’s Personal Interest in TikTok Highlighted

Trump's brief reveals a personal fondness for TikTok, which he discussed in a recent meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. His engagement in this matter illustrates his broader interest in social media platforms and their influence on public discourse.

Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, and the amicus brief itself reiterate his commitment to addressing this issue once he is in office. They argue that the unique circumstances of the case require a resolution led by the president, who represents national interests.

Public Statements Reflect Trump’s Strategy

Trump has actively voiced his intentions regarding TikTok through various platforms, including a post on Truth Social, where he urged supporters to "vote Trump" to save TikTok in America. This public declaration aligns with his strategy to influence public opinion ahead of his second term.

The complex legal and political dimensions of this case showcase the delicate balance between maintaining national security and supporting free speech through social media. As the January Supreme Court hearing approaches, all eyes will be on how this tension unfolds and whether Trump’s request for a deadline extension will be granted.