Today’s News
Two U.S. senators, Democrat Ed Markey and Republican Rand Paul, are calling on President Joe Biden to grant ByteDance a 90-day extension on the January 19 deadline for selling TikTok’s U.S. operations or facing a nationwide ban. The senators emphasized that the legal uncertainties surrounding the case and its potential impact on free speech warrant more time.
Image Source: ABC News
In a letter to Biden, the senators wrote, “Given the law’s uncertain future and its consequences for free expression, we urge you to trigger the 90-day extension before January 19.”
The call for a delay comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments on January 10 on TikTok and ByteDance’s appeal to halt the ban. The legal challenge seeks an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the controversial law that would force ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets.
The White House and TikTok have not provided immediate comments on the senators’ request. The Justice Department has argued that TikTok, as a Chinese-owned app, poses a “national-security threat of immense depth and scale” due to its ability to access vast amounts of data on American users, including location details and private messages. The department also warned that TikTok could secretly influence the content seen by U.S. users.
The law, passed by Congress in April and signed by Biden, has faced strong criticism. TikTok and ByteDance argue that the measure violates First Amendment protections on free speech. The companies contend that TikTok does not present an imminent threat to U.S. security.
Split Opinions in Washington
While some lawmakers support the call for an extension, others remain firmly against it. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell urged the Supreme Court to reject any delays, likening TikTok to a “hardened criminal” in a legal brief filed on Wednesday. Other prominent senators, including Republican Josh Hawley and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, have taken a hardline stance, insisting that ByteDance comply with the law.
Trump’s Stance on TikTok
Adding to the political complexity, President-elect Donald Trump has reversed his previous position on TikTok. In 2020, Trump attempted to ban the app, but during his 2024 presidential campaign, he vowed to protect TikTok. Speaking this week, Trump said, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok” and promised to “take a look” at the ongoing legal challenge.
The upcoming Supreme Court hearing and Biden’s response to the request for an extension will play a crucial role in determining TikTok’s future in the U.S. The app, used by about 170 million Americans, has become a major point of contention in the debate over data privacy, free speech, and national security.
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