TikTok’s future in the United States faces a critical crossroads as President-elect Donald Trump vows to intervene. The popular Chinese-owned platform, which boasts 170 million American users, is barreling toward a potential ban as early as next weekend. On Friday, the Supreme Court signaled little intention of halting the prohibition, leaving TikTok’s survival precariously tied to Trump’s next move.
The platform’s critics, including lawmakers from both parties, have long argued that TikTok poses a national security threat, alleging it could enable Chinese espionage and propaganda. During his first term, Trump echoed those concerns in a 2020 executive order, warning that TikTok could provide the Chinese Communist Party with access to Americans’ personal data or facilitate disinformation campaigns. ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, has consistently denied the allegations.
Since Congress passed a law earlier this year mandating either a sale or a ban of TikTok, Trump’s stance has softened. The platform’s utility as a messaging tool for his 2024 presidential campaign has not gone unnoticed, and he recently questioned whether a ban would only benefit competitors like Facebook, which he has labeled “an enemy of the people.” On social media last week, Trump shared metrics of his TikTok reach, asking, “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?”
Trump’s legal team has called on the Supreme Court to delay the ban, arguing that his incoming administration should be allowed to broker a resolution. While avoiding any direct challenge to the constitutionality of the law, they emphasized Trump’s self-proclaimed expertise in dealmaking as a potential path forward. A Supreme Court decision is expected as early as next week, and many justices appeared inclined to uphold the law during Friday’s hearing.
If the court allows the ban to proceed, Trump will inherit a politically fraught dilemma. He could enforce the prohibition, attempt to broker a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, or seek a legal workaround. Prospective buyers are already positioning themselves. Business magnate Frank McCourt, leader of Project Liberty, confirmed his group has made an offer to ByteDance, reportedly valuing the platform at up to $20 billion even without its algorithm. ByteDance has not engaged with the proposal, and McCourt acknowledged that a deal is unlikely before the January 19 deadline.
Legal scholars note that Trump has various options to keep TikTok operational. He could grant ByteDance more time to find a suitor, allow the ban to take effect and negotiate from there, or direct his administration to delay enforcement. Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said Trump’s administration could act decisively. “He can make this work if he wants to,” Tobias said.
However, ignoring the law may spark backlash. The legislation, passed overwhelmingly in both chambers of Congress, reflects bipartisan concern over national security. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned that flouting such a broadly supported measure would set a dangerous precedent. “There is a strong consensus in this country that laws, particularly those tied to national security, must be upheld,” he said.
Some lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), hope Trump will support separating TikTok’s U.S. operations from ByteDance entirely. Others remain uncertain about his intentions. Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.), a critic of the ban, questioned whether Trump’s actions would align with TikTok’s interests. “Trump will do whatever benefits Trump in the moment,” Markey said. “Maybe that means saving TikTok, or maybe it means killing it. Anyone trying to predict his next move is wasting their time.”
With January 19 fast approaching, TikTok’s fate—and Trump’s strategy—remain deeply uncertain. Whether he positions himself as a savior of the platform or enforces its prohibition, the president-elect’s decision will have profound implications for one of the world’s most influential social media platforms.
