President-elect Donald Trump has called on the Supreme Court to delay a contentious TikTok ban set to take effect next month, requesting a postponement in a legal filing on Friday. Trump argued that a delay would allow his administration time to negotiate a resolution.

This request positions Trump in opposition to the Biden administration, which defended the ban in its own brief, citing “grave” national security concerns tied to TikTok’s operations in the United States.

The Supreme Court is reviewing whether the TikTok ban, approved by Congress in April, violates the First Amendment. The case has attracted significant attention, with oral arguments scheduled for January 10. Numerous briefs have been submitted by groups and officials supporting or opposing the ban.

Trump’s Stance on TikTok Ban

Although not a formal party in the case, Trump submitted a “friend-of-the-court” brief, advocating for the delay of the ban’s January 19 implementation date—just one day before his inauguration. Trump emphasized that the delay would provide an opportunity to resolve the issue while preserving the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans.

Trump stated that a negotiated solution could protect both national security and TikTok’s role as a platform for free expression, which he noted is used by 170 million Americans. Despite his administration’s prior efforts to limit TikTok, Trump suggested that the timing of the law interferes with his ability to manage foreign policy effectively.

Biden Administration and Former Officials Back the Ban

The Biden administration, along with bipartisan support from former officials—including some from Trump’s own administration—urged the Supreme Court to uphold the ban. They highlighted concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, claiming it poses a risk of data collection and potential manipulation of content to further China’s geopolitical aims.

“The First Amendment is not a shield for foreign governments to undermine American security,” wrote Advancing American Freedom, a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, which likened TikTok to “digital fentanyl.”

TikTok’s Defense and Free Speech Advocates

TikTok argued that the ban violates the First Amendment by shutting down a significant platform for speech. The company suggested that alternatives, such as requiring disclosures about its ownership, should have been considered before imposing a ban.

Free speech advocates, including the ACLU and the Knight First Amendment Institute, warned that upholding the ban would set a dangerous precedent for limiting Americans’ access to foreign media and content. “The government has no legitimate interest in banning Americans from accessing foreign speech,” the Knight Institute stated.

Legal Context and Next Steps

Earlier this month, a federal appeals court upheld the ban, citing national security concerns. The Supreme Court’s decision to review the case reflects the urgency and significance of the constitutional questions involved.

Trump’s legal team argued that delaying the ban would avoid prematurely resolving complex First Amendment issues while allowing for potential negotiations. The case underscores the delicate balance between national security and the preservation of free speech in the digital age.

This story has been updated with additional details.