The deadline for TikTok’s sale or ban is fast approaching, and the new president wants “more breathing space” to address the issue.

ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, has been told by the US Supreme Court that it needs to divest from the short form video platform in America or face a nationwide ban. The deadline for this sale is January 19th – just a day before President-elect Donald Trump reenters office. Now, Trump has made his stance on the matter crystal clear.

In a legal brief submitted on 27 December 2024, Trump’s attorney, John Sauer, emphasised the need for a political solution, stating that delaying the ban would provide the incoming administration with “the opportunity to pursue a political resolution” without immediate court intervention. Put plainly, “President Trump opposes banning TikTok in the United States at this juncture, and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”

The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for January 10th to deliberate on TikTok’s challenge to the law. TikTok argues that the ban infringes upon First Amendment rights by suppressing free speech. The company has also highlighted the potential economic impact, estimating that a ban could cost US small businesses and creators $1.3 billion in the first month.

Why is any of this happening? The law in question was passed by Congress in April 2024, aiming to prevent foreign entities (the Chinese government) from controlling applications that could pose national security threats. It mandates that companies like ByteDance must either divest from such apps or cease operations within the US The Biden administration has defended the law, citing concerns over data security and potential foreign influence.

Trump’s current position on the impending TikTok ban demonstrates a clear shift from his previous stance. During his first term as president, he was in favour of banning the social media platform due to concerns over security threats. In the recent legal filing, John Sauer stated that Trump sees TikTok as a “unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech.” The filing also highlights that the President-elect is “keenly aware of the historic dangers presented by such a precedent.”

For musicians, music fans, and creators, TikTok has become a vital platform for sharing content, discovering new artists, and engaging with audiences. The potential ban raises concerns about the future of content creation and the livelihoods of many who rely on the app for exposure and income. Keep an eye out for more details from us as this story develops.

If you’d like to know what the top TikTok alternatives are (just in case), check out this article.