Key Takeaways:
– A ban has been imposed on the Chinese owned app, TikTok, to be effective from Sunday unless an American buyer steps up.
– President-elect Donald Trump’s options to handle this challenge are limited.
– Legal expert Harry Litman notes there’s no buyer for TikTok on the horizon.
– The case will pose an early test for Trump’s dedication to law and order.
Trump’s TikTok Travails
As he prepares to take office, Donald Trump finds himself grappling with a significant challenge. The widely popular Chinese social media app, TikTok, has been banned by Congress. The ban will take effect on Sunday unless a U.S. buyer comes forward.
Limited Options for Trump
The U.S. Supreme Court has backed the ban, leaving Trump with few options. According to Harry Litman, a legal expert, presidents can’t just disregard such a law passed by Congress. Trying to sidestep it could land Trump in further legal trouble. The potential for a ‘qualified divestiture’ seems unlikely. This would involve Trump effectively claiming, contrary to reality, that a buyer is waiting in the wings. China and TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, adamantly insist they won’t sell. Litman suggests that Trump could try to enforce a different executive order to avoid the ban. However, the legal standing for such a move is doubtful given the ban’s support from Congress.
Potential Consequences Ahead
The likely outcome if Trump tries to take any action would be immediate legal backlash. While he may perceive himself as a deal-maker, his limited legal leeway makes this task more complex. As he steps into office, this quandary gives us a glimpse into the tensions Trump will face.
Passing the Buck to Biden?
Interestingly, President Joe Biden has stated he won’t enforce the TikTok ban on his last day in office. This means the problem will drop squarely in Trump’s lap when he takes his presidential oath on Monday. Legal expert Litman suggests this tussle could be a litmus test for Trump’s commitment to the rule of law.
Broad Implications for Trump’s Presidency
Litman further explains that Trump’s handling of this situation will provide insights into his willingness to disregard legal prohibitions. This could indicate the direction his presidency might take. As for the possibility of a potential buyer for TikTok, Litman believes that there’s a slim chance of that happening. No one is likely to step forward, making Trump’s task even harder.
Facing the Music
Despite the stacked odds, Litman speculates that Trump might still attempt to rectify the situation. This could be driven by his reputation as a deal-maker and his close relationship with the CEO of TikTok. However, given the legal complexities, Litman predicts Trump’s attempts may fail.
Conclusion
The TikTok ban presents Trump with a legal conundrum as he gears up to take office. The already tense U.S. China relations combined with the intricacies of this case will test Trump’s commitment to law and order. As the situation unravels, one thing is certain – all eyes will be on Trump as he navigates this challenging path.