TikTok CEO thanks Trump for efforts to keep app legal amid Supreme Court ruling

Sunday 19 January 2025 - 08:00

By: Dakir Madiha

TikTok CEO thanks Trump for efforts to keep app legal amid Supreme Court ruling

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his support in addressing the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the popular video platform. In a video posted after the Supreme Court upheld a law that could lead to TikTok's ban in the United States, Chew credited Trump for his commitment to finding a solution to keep the app operational.

“On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” Chew said. “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”

Chew also highlighted Trump’s personal connection to the platform, noting his engagement on TikTok. “We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform — one who has used TikTok to express his own thoughts and perspectives, connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process,” he added, closing his remarks with, “More to come.”

Supreme Court decision and national security concerns

On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership stake in the app by Sunday, January 19. Failure to comply would render the distribution and hosting of TikTok illegal in the U.S. The court emphasized that Congress had determined divestiture was necessary to mitigate “well-supported national security concerns” regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties to a “foreign adversary.”

The law, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, imposes significant fines of $5,000 per user on companies that distribute or host TikTok if ByteDance fails to comply. Despite Trump’s assurances of finding a resolution, major tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Oracle, which are involved in TikTok’s U.S. operations, have yet to comment on their plans should the ban take effect.

Trump’s role in the unfolding situation

Donald Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok during his first term as president, has reemerged as a central figure in the app’s future. With a substantial following of 14.8 million TikTok users, Trump has used the platform to amplify his political messaging, especially during his 2024 presidential campaign. In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to the Supreme Court decision, stating, “The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”

Trump has publicly positioned himself as a defender of TikTok, urging his supporters to vote for him to “save TikTok in America.” At a December press conference, he acknowledged the platform’s influence, particularly among younger voters, saying, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”

What’s next for TikTok?

The Biden administration has deferred enforcement of the law to Trump, who is reportedly considering issuing an executive order to pause the ban temporarily while working on a negotiated resolution. However, it is unclear whether Trump has the legal authority to halt the law.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20 in Washington, D.C., where he will hold a position of honor on the dais, according to reports. Meanwhile, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, as tech companies and policymakers weigh their next steps.

As of now, it is unclear whether TikTok will cease operations for U.S. users by the January 19 deadline or continue its efforts to collaborate with the Trump administration to secure a resolution. With millions of users and creators relying on the platform, TikTok’s fate continues to be a pressing topic of national and international interest.