Biden Won’t Enforce TikTok Ban, Leaving Decision to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will not enforce a ban on TikTok set to take effect a day before he leaves office, leaving the fate of the popular social media app to President-elect Donald Trump, a U.S. official said Thursday.

Congress last year passed a law, signed by Biden, requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest the app by Jan. 19, citing national security concerns. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Biden administration will leave the implementation of the law to Trump’s incoming administration.

Trump, who once sought to ban TikTok during his first term, has since reversed his stance, pledging to keep the app available in the U.S. His transition team has not detailed how they plan to address the divestment requirement. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and may be seated prominently on the dais, signaling the incoming administration’s interest in preserving the platform.

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News on Thursday that the law allows for an extension if a viable deal is on the table. “It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who advocated for extending the deadline.

However, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas blocked a Democratic effort to extend the deadline, calling TikTok a “Chinese Communist spy app” that poses risks to national security. TikTok and ByteDance have challenged the law in court, with the Supreme Court recently hearing oral arguments in the case. Justices appeared inclined to uphold the law, which could force ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in one of its largest markets.

Trump’s campaign embraced TikTok during the 2024 election, using the platform to connect with younger voters. His team has credited TikTok with helping him secure more youth votes, and he has vowed to “save TikTok” if elected. Meanwhile, users and creators are bracing for potential disruptions, with some exploring alternative platforms like Xiaohongshu, a Chinese short-video app gaining traction in the U.S.

The debate over TikTok’s future highlights broader concerns about data privacy and national security, as well as the app’s cultural and economic impact. With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok has become a hub for entertainment, news, and social trends, making its potential ban a contentious issue.