WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is committed to “finding a way to preserve TikTok” as the app awaits a Supreme Court decision on a potential U.S. ban, according to his pick for national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida. Waltz made the remarks Wednesday during an appearance on FOX News.
Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging a federal law that could force TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app’s U.S. operations over national security concerns. The justices appeared inclined to uphold the law, which mandates ByteDance sell TikTok or face a ban in one of its largest markets.
Background:
Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok, having initially sought to ban the app during his first term, citing national security risks. However, during his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump joined TikTok, using it to connect with younger voters, particularly males, through viral content. He later pledged to “save TikTok” and credited the platform with helping him engage younger voters.
The TikTok Ban and Trump’s Position:
The federal law, passed with bipartisan support last year and signed by President Joe Biden, raises national security concerns over TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government. The law requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, or face a nationwide ban. The matter is currently awaiting a ruling by the Supreme Court.
Waltz addressed a report from The Washington Post suggesting that Trump was considering an executive order to delay enforcement of the law, which could lead to a TikTok ban nationwide by the January deadline.
“If the Supreme Court upholds the law, President Trump has been very clear: First, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use, and it was very effective for his campaign and getting his message out,” Waltz said. “But second, he’s committed to protecting users’ data.”
“He’s a deal maker,” Waltz continued. “I don’t want to get ahead of any executive orders, but we’re going to create the space to strike a deal.”
Uncertainty Remains:
While the Supreme Court is expected to rule soon, the specifics of any potential deal or executive order involving Trump remain unclear. Trump will take office on January 20 — just one day after the law’s deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Waltz on National Security Concerns:
“The threat from China accessing the data and being able to manipulate millions of Americans is real,” Waltz said. “TikTok itself is a fantastic platform. I wish I could have it on my phone. The algorithm is amazing. But we’re going to find a way to preserve it while ensuring people’s data is protected — that’s the deal we’ll be working on.”
In a separate appearance Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, sidestepped a question during a Senate hearing about whether she would uphold a potential TikTok ban.
