The Justice Department has responded to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in the case of TikTok, et al. v. Garland. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco provided statements regarding the court's decision.
Attorney General Garland remarked, “Today’s decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to collect sensitive information about millions of Americans, to covertly manipulate the content delivered to American audiences, and to undermine our national security.” He emphasized that the D.C. Circuit recognized that this Act protects U.S. national security while remaining consistent with the Constitution. Garland assured that "the Justice Department is committed to defending Americans’ sensitive data from authoritarian regimes that seek to exploit companies under their control."
Deputy Attorney General Monaco expressed support for the ruling, stating, “We welcome today’s decision.” She clarified that “this ruling confirms that the law Congress passed — and the Justice Department’s work to defend it — have never been about restricting free speech but rather breaking the ties that bind TikTok to the regime in Beijing.” Monaco reiterated that "this law protects Americans from the national security risks posed by the current ownership of TikTok in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution."