TikTok Ban Upheld by Supreme Court, Trump Mulls Rescue

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law mandating the ban of TikTok in the United States unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its ownership by January 19.

"There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community," the justices wrote in an unsigned opinion.  

"But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary."

The legislation, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, prohibits technology companies from hosting TikTok on their platforms within the U.S.  Without a sale or extension, TikTok is expected to go offline in the U.S. on January 19, as app stores and partners comply with the law. 

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has expressed support for TikTok and may seek a political solution to keep the app operational if divestiture efforts are underway.  

"The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it," Trump posted on TruthSocial.com. "My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation."