United States of America President elect Donald Trump has announced that he could halt the impending ban on social media platform TikTok once he begins work in the White House.
The Republican has said that he will likely sign an executive order that would give TikTok a 90-day reprieve, meaning users can still access the platform in the USA whilst the debate rages on.
Speaking during a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he was yet to make a final decision but was considering an extension to the deadline of Sunday. By granting an extension, the Chinese owner of the app would have more time to find a non-Chinese buyer.
Trump told the NBC: “I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate.
“You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The Supreme Court recently allowed the ban on TikTok to go ahead, with it coming into effect in the USA on Friday. TikTok have claimed that the ban is a violation of their users’ first amendment rights.
Trump focusing on international relations
Just hours after the Supreme Court decision, Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he spoke to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the phone.
“The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately,” Trump wrote.
“We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the world more peaceful and safe!”