Congress Hawks Stand Firm: TikTok Must Sell or Face Ban
China hawks in Congress are standing behind their law to force TikTok to divest or be banned in the U.S. after the Supreme Court ruled it constitutional Friday. But they are hopeful the president-elect will cut a deal to avert the app shutting down.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully they’ll figure out a way to get it sold.”
President-elect’s Stance
Friday’s decision to uphold the law comes just before a ban is set to take effect on Jan. 19. However, Trump has vowed “to save” the app and is hosting TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his inauguration. TikTok is also sponsoring an inauguration party for MAGA influencers.
Trump mentioned speaking to China’s leader Xi Jinping about the issue, expressing confidence in resolving the matter together. He emphasized the need for everyone to respect the Supreme Court decision, adding that his own decision on TikTok will be announced after a thorough review.
TikTok CEO’s Gratitude
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked Trump in a video statement on the platform, highlighting the platform’s positive impact.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco welcomed the decision, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the potential ban implementation.
White House’s Position
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Joe Biden will not enforce the ban immediately but recognizes the need for actions to align with the law in due course.
On Capitol Hill, Republicans support the law’s national security objectives while remaining open to negotiations to prevent a ban.
Democrats’ Efforts
Some Democrats sought to extend the deadline, but their attempts did not succeed. Various lawmakers expressed differing views on the TikTok situation, with calls for a fair approach to all social media companies.
While tensions persist over TikTok’s future, the debate continues on whether the app should be sold to comply with U.S. regulations.
Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving story.
