Trump allowed companies to ignore TikTok ban law, citing 'constitutional power'

US President Donald Trump has officially allowed American technology companies to bypass the current law banning TikTok, claiming that he has the right to override Congressional action on national security grounds, The New York Times reports.

This is evidenced by letters sent by Attorney General Pam Bondi to Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile and others. The documents state that providing support to TikTok is no longer considered a violation because the ban "interferes with the President's constitutional responsibilities in the field of foreign policy and security."

The law banning TikTok in the US was passed by Congress in 2024 by an overwhelming majority, and the Supreme Court unanimously upheld its validity. However, after his inauguration in 2025, Trump issued an executive order suspending the law — initially for 75 days, and later extended.

Lawyers have criticized the Trump administration's approach, saying it marks the first time a U.S. president has formally granted private companies immunity from violating existing law. Experts say it could set a dangerous precedent for expanding presidential powers beyond the limits of the Constitution.

TikTok remains available in Apple and Google's app stores, although the law remains in effect. Meanwhile, Trump said the administration has found a potential buyer for TikTok, but the deal needs approval from Chinese authorities to complete.