Executive Order Delays TikTok Ban in US

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order temporarily suspending TikTok's ban in the United States. This action comes as part of an ongoing debate surrounding the app's national security implications.

The executive order grants the Trump administration a 75-day window to evaluate the appropriate course of action for TikTok's US operations. This follows the implementation of a law on Sunday that effectively prohibited the app from being accessed through app stores and cloud services.

President Trump has asserted his authority to issue this order based on his unique responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief. He claims that the timing of the law interferes with his ability to assess the implications of its prohibitions on national security and foreign policy.

Despite the executive order, TikTok remains unavailable on the Apple App Store and Google Play as of Monday. The company's parent company, ByteDance, must still divest its ownership or face a permanent ban.

Legal experts have raised concerns about the validity of the executive order, citing the Supreme Court precedent established in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer. This case limits presidential power to contradict federal law, especially when it involves the seizure of private property.

However, some Supreme Court justices have expressed support for the "unitary executive theory," which could potentially open the door for Trump to argue the order's permissibility.

The back-and-forth between the Trump administration, TikTok, and US lawmakers is expected to continue in the coming weeks. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and executives from Apple, Google, and Microsoft have been present at inauguration events, further highlighting the significance of this matter.