TikTok Ban: Trump Claims Power to Nullify Laws, Letters Reveal

Introduction

Did you know that TikTok is currently operating in a legal limbo in the U.S., despite a full‑national‑level ban taking effect on January 19, 2025? Recent documents show that former President Trump has asserted sweeping power to effectively nullify that ban—granting immunity to tech firms that continue supporting TikTok. Today’s revelations in newly published letters shed light on these extraordinary legal maneuvers.

Background: Law Is On The Books – But Not Enforced

On April 24, 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a national ban. The Supreme Court upheld PAFACA in TikTok v. Garland on January 17, 2025. The ban officially took effect January 19, 2025—but just one day later, President Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement for 75 days and promising legal immunity for service providers.

Extensions: 75 → 75 → 90 Days

• April 4, 2025: Extension #2 for another 75 days
• June 19, 2025: Extension #3 by 90 days, pushing deadline to September 17, 2025 via Executive Order

Today’s Big News: Immunity Letters Leaked

On July 3, 2025, a Wired/Techmeme exclusive revealed that AG Pam Bondi, acting under Trump’s direction, sent formal letters to at least 10 major tech firms (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, LG, Akamai, Fastly, Digital Realty, T‑Mobile), promising they “incur no liability” under PAFACA. These letters effectively instruct the DOJ to refrain from enforcing the law—even though the ban remains on the books. Notably, each company received a reassurance—some include the phrase “irrevocable relinquishment of any claims”—with dates spanning late January through April 2025.

Why It Matters: Expanding Executive Power?

Legal experts are sounding alarm bells. According to Brookings and NYU Stern analysts, this is not a question of policy so much as a constitutional precedent: the president is using executive authority to circumvent a law passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court. Techmeme’s summary states: “Bondi letters to tech companies have Trump nullifying a statute banning TikTok Congress passed with bipartisan majorities in 2024, unanimously upheld by SCOTUS.”

What Tech Firms Are Saying — Or Not

The recipients—Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Akamai, T‑Mobile, LG, Fastly, Digital Realty—haven’t publicly commented yet. But software engineer Tony Tan has filed a lawsuit via FOIA, claiming these immunity promises might not be legally binding and could vanish under a future Democratic administration.

The Ongoing Deal: Who Will Buy TikTok U.S.?

With the sale deadline extended to September 17, 2025, Trump has touted interest from “very wealthy people” and potential buyers like Amazon, AppLovin, Oracle‑led consortium, Amazon, Microsoft, and others. However, ByteDance and China haven’t approved any deal yet. Business Insider reports U.S. politicians prefer a sale over a ban, and public support for banning TikTok has declined.

National Security vs. Executive Rule

Proponents of the ban warn that even if TikTok U.S. is sold, core Chinese–controlled algorithmic secrets may remain in Beijing’s hands. Lawmakers like Sen. Mark Warner argue Trump is “sidestepping the law and ignoring national security findings.” Critics say this sets a dangerous precedent: presidents declaring what laws to enforce based on political convenience.

What Comes Next?

1. ByteDance must negotiate a sale or divest by September 17, 2025—or face enforcement.
2. Regardless of sale, the DOJ’s immunity letters may be overturned by future DOJ leadership.
3. Congress may push back with hearings or legislation limiting executive authority.
4. Courts could be asked to adjudicate: is ignoring a duly passed law constitutional?

For U.S. TikTok Users & Creators

Right now, TikTok remains available on Apple and Google app stores and in-play across the U.S. thanks to Trump's orders. But all content creators and businesses need to monitor developments—a collapse of immunity letters or a failed sale could trigger reinstatement of the ban.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s use of executive orders and immunity letters to nullify a legislated ban on TikTok raises a critical issue: once you pave the way for a president to ignore laws wholesale, it becomes far simpler for future leaders to do the same—on any issue. This TikTok saga isn't just a social‑media story—it’s a test of checks and balances in real time. Stay informed with the latest on this evolving issue by following reputable news, legal analyses, and official documents. Stay informed with the latest updates at: https://fixiomarkets.com/en/prex-blogs