Biden Defers TikTok Ban Decision to Trump Administration

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Biden tiktok ban

TikTok’s Fate Now in Trump’s Hands as Biden Steps Back

President Joe Biden has decided not to take immediate action regarding the impending nationwide ban on TikTok, leaving the controversial issue to be addressed by President-elect Donald Trump once he takes office on January 20, 2025.

The move signals a shift in focus from the outgoing administration, which appears to prioritize other matters in its final days.

The Roots of the TikTok Ban

The potential TikTok ban stems from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a law passed in 2024 that requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a complete ban. The legislation was designed to address national security concerns tied to the app’s data handling and its connections to the Chinese government.

Biden Administration’s Stance

While Biden has been critical of TikTok’s data practices in the past, his administration has largely avoided decisive action regarding a ban, citing the legal and diplomatic complexities involved. According to White House insiders, the administration believes the incoming Trump team is better positioned to handle the political fallout of enforcing—or potentially negotiating around—the ban.

A senior White House official commented, “We’ve laid the groundwork for a resolution, but this administration feels it’s prudent to let the next president decide the best course of action.” This decision has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle, with some arguing it amounts to “kicking the can down the road.”

Trump Administration’s Likely Approach

trump unconditional discharge

President-elect Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on China, has already indicated he intends to enforce the ban unless ByteDance fully divests TikTok’s U.S. operations. In a recent campaign rally, Trump stated, “We won’t let a Chinese app spy on our citizens. If they don’t sell, TikTok is gone.”

Trump’s previous attempts to ban TikTok in 2020 were thwarted by legal challenges and public backlash. However, with this new legislation providing a clear framework, the incoming administration may have a stronger legal footing to act decisively.

Legal and Public Reactions

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing TikTok’s challenge to the law, which it claims violates First Amendment rights and unfairly targets the company. A decision is expected soon, and it could heavily influence the Trump administration’s options.

Meanwhile, the public response has been mixed. While some applaud the ban as a necessary step to protect national security, others see it as an overreach. Prominent figures, including the D’Amelio family, have spoken out against the ban, calling it “a violation of free speech and creativity.”

What’s Next?

As January 20 approaches, all eyes are on the incoming Trump administration and the Supreme Court’s pending decision. Whether TikTok survives in its current form or is forced to restructure remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the app’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and follow us for the latest insights on tech and politics.

 

Mia Brooks

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