Experts Question Legality of Trump’s TikTok Order
Some experts and even some Republicans have raised questions about the legality of President Trump’s order to delay the enforcement of a law requiring the sale of TikTok’s US operations. The order, which gives the US attorney general 75 days to determine an “appropriate course forward” that “protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown of a communications platform used by millions of Americans,” has been met with skepticism.
A group of prospective buyers, led by billionaire Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty, claims to have the necessary financing for a deal, with “expressions of interest” from private equity firms and wealthy individuals. However, with TikTok’s US operations potentially valued at $50 billion, a buyer would need significant financial resources.
Complicating matters is a recent suggestion by Trump’s new national security advisor, former GOP Rep. Mike Waltz, that ByteDance be allowed to keep owning TikTok, so long as it provides assurances that the app’s data and algorithm are fully protected from Chinese government interference. This idea has drawn immediate pushback from Republicans.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., argued that the law is clear and that ByteDance cannot be given any ownership stake in TikTok. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., expressed hope that the law will be followed and that a buyer will be found, but acknowledged that time is running out.
Legal experts are also unsure about the legality of Trump’s order, with some arguing that opponents of the order would have a strong legal case to challenge it. However, it is unclear whether opponents have the political motivation to initiate a challenge.