Trump on TikTok Ban: 'Stay Tuned!'

TikTok Ban Upheld by Supreme Court, Trump Reveals Conversation with Xi Jinping

Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision today – which confirmed the legality of the U.S. ban on TikTok, effective January 19 – Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a “very good” telephone conversation with China’s President Xi Jinping. The discussion encompassed the topic of TikTok, among other issues.

The president-elect further indicated he would arrive at a determination regarding TikTok in the “not too distant” future, though he refrained from specifying the nature of that decision.

Shift in Stance on TikTok

Previously, Trump had indicated a change in his position concerning the ban. He had urged the Supreme Court to prevent the enforcement of the law mandating the app’s closure or sale by January 19.

However, in his recent statement, he conveyed a need for “time to review the situation” before making a final decision, acknowledging that the Supreme Court’s ruling was “expected.”

“Stay tuned!,” he added.

Discussion with President Xi

Before the ruling was announced, Trump also posted on Truth Social detailing a positive call with Xi Jinping earlier that morning. He expressed his belief that they would collaboratively “solve many problems together,” beginning immediately.

“We discussed balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects,” Trump stated on his social media platform. “President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!”

Supreme Court Ruling and Potential Outcomes

The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the ban to proceed came shortly after this communication. This means TikTok faces shutdown in the U.S. unless a sale is completed – a prospect TikTok’s representatives have argued is unfeasible within the given timeframe.

The precise impact of the ruling on January 19 remains uncertain. It is unclear whether TikTok will cease functioning entirely or if it will remain operational on devices where it is already installed, with conflicting reports suggesting both possibilities.

Despite the upheld ban, the Biden administration had reportedly been exploring avenues to maintain TikTok’s availability within the U.S.