In a strategic move, TikTok has recruited Noel Francisco, a former U.S. solicitor general during Donald Trump’s administration, to lead its defense as it prepares to challenge a law that could spell the end for the popular video platform in the United States. Francisco, now with Jones Day, will represent TikTok alongside his colleague Hashim Mooppan, according to court filings.
Francisco, known for his role defending the Trump administration’s controversial policies, including the ban on travelers from certain Muslim-majority countries, has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court. His firm’s involvement signals a high-stakes legal battle, with TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, seeking to halt a law signed by President Joe Biden in April. This law mandates that ByteDance divest TikTok by January 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The government argues that TikTok poses national security risks, fearing that China could access user data. TikTok has consistently denied these claims.
Following a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that upheld the law’s constitutionality, ByteDance has filed for a delay in the implementation of the law while the case is reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Francisco, who was also involved with Trump’s 2016 campaign, is no stranger to high-profile legal challenges. In addition to his work for TikTok, he is currently representing U.S. gun manufacturers in a Supreme Court case initiated by Mexico, which accuses them of contributing to illegal arms trafficking.
