Trump Issues Executive Order Temporarily Protecting TikTok from US Ban
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday that aims to shield TikTok from a US ban. This order grants the Trump administration a 75-day window to determine the future of TikTok's US operations.
Legal Dubiety of the Executive Order
Experts have expressed doubts about the legal validity of the executive order. It conflicts with a recently passed law that effectively bans TikTok's operation in the US. However, Trump claims authority based on his presidential responsibilities, arguing that the law's timing interferes with his ability to assess its national security implications.
TikTok's Fate in the Balance
The law that prompted TikTok's shutdown prohibits app store access and cloud services unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells it to a non-adversarial country. Trump has floated the idea of the US acquiring a 50% stake in TikTok or imposing tariffs on China if a suitable buyer is not found.
Political Divisions
Trump's executive order has sparked debate among lawmakers. Some of his closest allies, such as Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, question its legality. House Speaker Mike Johnson supports enforcing the current ban and praises Google, Apple, and Microsoft for complying with it.
Uncertain Future for TikTok
TikTok's availability in the US remains uncertain. As of Monday, it was still unavailable on Apple's App Store and Google Play. The ongoing legal and political battle will continue to shape TikTok's future in the country.
Historical Precedent
An executive order has limited chances of overriding the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The Supreme Court in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer ruled that unauthorized executive actions that conflict with law are invalid. However, some justices support the "unitary executive theory," which could provide Trump with a potential argument.