Biden Indefinitely Suspends Trump Executive Order on TikTok Sale

Review of Existing Public Policy Needed... Temporarily Suspended

The Joe Biden administration has indefinitely halted the forced sale of the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok, which was pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Joe Biden administration has indefinitely halted the forced sale of the Chinese video-sharing app TikTok, which was pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 10th (local time), citing sources, that the Biden administration requested a U.S. federal court to indefinitely suspend the enforcement of the TikTok sale executive order. This is because the Biden administration is reviewing various policies of the previous Trump administration.

The White House explained on the same day, "We are broadly reviewing the U.S. government's stance on China," adding, "TikTok is included in this review as it relates to issues such as protecting the online data of the American public."

Previously, the Trump administration issued an executive order demanding the sale of TikTok's U.S. business, citing concerns that Americans' personal information could be transferred to and misused by the Chinese government. However, through the Biden administration's review, the TikTok sale is expected to fizzle out.

WSJ interpreted that Oracle, the U.S. company negotiating with TikTok's parent company ByteDance, hopes to reach a deal, but the sale issue ultimately depends on the Biden administration's stance toward Chinese IT companies.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki drew a line by saying, "It is not accurate that there are new preemptive measures by the Biden White House," but emphasized, "We are comprehensively assessing the risks to Americans' personal information posed by companies including TikTok, and will respond in a firm and effective manner."

Meanwhile, the Biden administration's position on the forced sale of TikTok is expected to be revealed next week. This is because the U.S. Department of Justice's deadline to submit its position regarding the lawsuit TikTok filed against the U.S. government in response to former President Trump's executive order is on the 18th.