The president-elect's unexpected shift, TikTok's ties to a key Trump donor, and the platform's options to challenge its suspension in the U.S
Can Trump deliver TikTok a lifeline before the Ban deadline? (Photo: Getty Images)
A federal appeals court has upheld a mid-January deadline requiring TikTok to be sold or face a U.S. ban, rejecting the company’s request to delay enforcement during its appeal to the Supreme Court.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, plan to challenge the ruling, though it remains uncertain if the Supreme Court will hear the case. Legal experts suggest the case's implications for social media, national security, and the First Amendment could prompt the court to review it.
TikTok is also counting on potential support from President-elect Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban the platform but later reversed his stance. During his recent election campaign, Trump embraced TikTok, leveraging its popularity among young voters and acknowledging its positive influence. Notably, Jeffrey Yass, a major Trump donor, owns a 15% stake in TikTok.
One of Trump's leading supporters, billionaire businessman Elon Musk, known as the CEO and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, as well as the owner of X, hinted at questions on his account last Friday.
With the deadline fast approaching, TikTok’s options appear limited. Trump could introduce new legislation or facilitate a deal, as he previously attempted with Microsoft. However, a sale to competitors like Meta, Google, or Amazon seems unlikely due to conflicting interests and profitability concerns. The most viable solution may involve a group of U.S. investors forming a consortium to take over and manage TikTok within the United States.
With a potential U.S. TikTok ban looming, Jamaican streamers and influencers like Swiss Lee and World Dawg are reportedly exploring alternatives, with local apps gaining popularity as replacements.
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