Ban: TikTok ticks on as US President Biden passes the buck to Trump

*United States President Joe Biden makes a last-minute move, passing the buck to incoming Donald Trump, by allowing TikTok, a social media platform with over 170 million American subscribers, popular with especially youngsters, to continue operating until the latter takes office Monday, July 20, 2025, in the White House

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

US President Joe Biden is taking a pass on TikTok, a social media platform.

ConsumerConnect reports the US Congress has passed a law outlawing the popular platform effective from Sunday, January 19 this year, before Trump resumes office.

An unnamed White House official, however, is quoted as saying Biden will delay implementing the measure, leaving it up to Trump, who takes office Monday, agency report also noted.

It was gathered that Trump has said he wants to “save” TikTok, and is reportedly considering issuing an Executive Order that would delay implementation of the ban for 90 days.

Trump’s inauguration team is said to have invited Shou Zi Chew, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the global tech giant, to grace the event, report said.

The law which the Congress and Biden enacted requires TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the company, or be banned from operating in the United States.

Earlier January this year, the US Supreme Court had heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by TikTok challenging the law.

On US Government concerns about TikTok

Over 170 million Americans are registered users of the platform and thousands are content creators, who produce videos and other short bits that keep millions of fans entertained.

The fear is that TikTok, a Chinese-owned company, is gathering intelligence that could be used by the Chinese Government to gather damaging intelligence from those who watch the dancing cat videos and other attractions, according to report.

There is yet a rife speculation that President-elect Trump is forging a path for American billionaire Elon Musk to acquire TikTok and merge it into his X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and to have a prime seating location for the ceremonies.

Incoming White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News Thursday, January 16: “We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark.”

Waltz noted that the new law against TikTok allows for an extension, preventing it from taking effect “as long as a viable deal is on the table.”