President-elect Donald Trump is evaluating the possibility of issuing an executive order that suspends the implementation of a law against TikTok for 60 to 90 days, allowing his administration to negotiate a sale or alternative, according to a report by The Washington Post.
This measure, which raises legal questions, seeks to give respite to the popular application of Chinese origin, which faces a nationwide ban starting Sunday.
Trump has considered ways to save the app by exploring unconventional negotiation methods and legal strategies, such as reversing the law, passed last year with bipartisan support in Congress, by executive order, according to media sources close to the discussions and who spoke. under anonymity.
Trump’s interest in being seen as the savior of TikTok has led his advisors and allies to look for options that will allow him to fulfill his campaign promise to “save TikTok,” as he has repeatedly mentioned on his TikTok account, where he has more of 14 million followers.
The challenge lies in how to proceed. The law signed by President Joe Biden last year requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app by Jan. 19 or face a ban.
The Supreme Court recently reviewed TikTok’s legal challenge against this law, although it has not yet issued a ruling, it is expected to allow the law to take effect. This move is intended to address the Justice Department’s concerns about possible spying or propaganda by the Chinese government through the app.
Read: TikTok seeks to reassure its US employees before the ban deadline
A source close to The Washington Post said Trump is eager to sign an executive order just before the deadline, which would add a dramatic touch to the process.
However, some legal experts doubt the effectiveness of this strategy, arguing that an executive order cannot override a law passed by Congress. Alan Rozenshtein, a former national security adviser, said the executive orders are more statements of intent than binding legal acts, and that TikTok would still face restrictions under current law.
Trump’s allies have worked to present him as the only one capable of saving TikTok, arguing before the Supreme Court that he has the experience and political will to negotiate a favorable resolution.
During his first term, Trump tried to ban TikTok, but in recent years he has praised the app as a tool to reach young voters and challenge big tech companies like Meta.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew traveled to Mar-a-Lago to discuss the situation with Trump, who then highlighted his popularity on the platform, where his videos have been viewed nearly 4 billion times. Trump expressed his reluctance to get rid of TikTok in a post on Truth Social, and his transition team did not comment to the newspaper about it.
Read: TikTok prepares to close in the US for Sunday
According to The Washington Post, Trump could pressure Congress to repeal the law, although this would be difficult given the bipartisan support he received. He could also order his attorney general not to enforce the law. Some in his circle have suggested a partial sale of the company to comply with the law and give Trump credit for closing the deal.
However, a sale seems unlikely due to political risks and the high cost, estimated at $50 billion.
Additionally, TikTok’s appeal has waned with the rise of competitors such as Instagram and YouTube, and potential buyers could face antitrust scrutiny or legal risks.
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