Donald Trump May Delay TikTok Ban Enforcement by 60 to 90 Days: Report

According to The Washington Post, President-elect Donald Trump is exploring the option of issuing an executive order to delay the enforcement of a nationwide TikTok ban by 60 to 90 days. While the newspaper did not detail how this could be executed legally, the ban is scheduled to begin on Sunday. The action would provide ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, additional time to divest its U.S. operations.

Scheduled Shutdown of TikTok Operations in the U.S.

TikTok is preparing to cease operations for its app, which is used by approximately 170 million Americans, as the federal ban comes into effect. Starting Sunday, new downloads of TikTok will be prohibited on Apple and Google app stores unless ByteDance complies with divestiture requirements mandated by a law signed last April.

Impact on Existing TikTok Users

Users who already have the app installed may still access it initially. However, U.S. companies will be barred from providing essential services like app updates, distribution, and maintenance, eventually making TikTok unusable.

White House and Congressional Reactions

Trump’s transition team has refrained from commenting, though the President-elect has expressed interest in finding a "political resolution." Mike Waltz, Trump's incoming national security adviser, praised TikTok’s platform and suggested efforts to protect user data while preserving the app’s functionality.

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has indicated no plans to intervene in blocking the ban in his final days, citing legal constraints and ByteDance’s failure to present a credible divestment plan.

Congressional Proposals Blocked

U.S. Senator Ed Markey sought an extension of 270 days for ByteDance to comply with the divestment requirement, but the proposal was blocked by Senator Tom Cotton. This deadlock further complicates the timeline for TikTok’s operations.

Plans for TikTok Users During the Ban

If the ban takes effect, TikTok intends to display a pop-up message directing users to a website for information about the shutdown. The app will also provide an option for users to download their personal data. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, informed the Supreme Court that the platform would “go dark” if no action is taken to delay or reverse the ban.

Global Implications of a TikTok Ban in the U.S.

TikTok’s services outside the U.S. may also be affected due to the reliance on U.S.-based service providers. The company has argued that the ban could disrupt services for millions of international users. Additionally, critical infrastructure like data centers may cease storing TikTok-related content, affecting global operations.

Efforts to Reverse or Delay the Ban

TikTok and ByteDance have filed legal appeals, asserting that the law violates First Amendment protections. They are pushing for at least a temporary delay, citing the severe impact on both U.S. and international users.

Ownership and Future of TikTok

ByteDance, a privately held company, is largely owned by institutional investors, founders, and employees. The company employs over 7,000 people in the U.S. The Trump administration has maintained that ByteDance must sell its U.S. assets to avoid a nationwide ban, a position reinforced by the Supreme Court’s apparent inclination to uphold the law.

Outlook for TikTok’s Return

If the ban is reversed or delayed, TikTok plans to swiftly restore its services for U.S. users. Sources indicate that the platform’s infrastructure and operations have remained functional in anticipation of a possible resolution.