President-elect Donald Trump recently expressed his support for TikTok, suggesting that the popular social media platform should continue operating in the U.S. This comes as the U.S. Senate passed a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app due to national security concerns. During a speech in Phoenix, Trump highlighted the billions of views his campaign received on TikTok, indicating his positive feelings toward the app. He mentioned meeting with TikTok’s CEO and hinted at a possible effort to prevent its ban, which could occur just before he takes office. TikTok, meanwhile, defends itself against claims of Chinese control, arguing that its user data is stored securely in the United States.
By Gram Slattery
President-elect Donald Trump shared his thoughts on TikTok during a recent event in Phoenix, Arizona. He hinted that he might support keeping TikTok operational in the United States for now, noting that his campaign received billions of views on the platform. This statement marks a possible shift in his stance regarding the app, which has faced scrutiny over national security concerns due to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after the U.S. Senate passed a law demanding TikTok’s parent company to divest from the app. Lawmakers are worried about potential risks that TikTok poses to national security, leading to legal struggles from ByteDance to retain control. The situation is critical, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could affect TikTok’s future in the U.S. Market. If the court does not rule in ByteDance’s favor, the app might face an effective ban on January 19, just before Trump officially takes office.
During the AmericaFest event organized by Turning Point, Trump expressed his positive experience with TikTok, sharing that he had a “warm spot” for the app due to its significant impact during his campaign. He mentioned, “Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while,” highlighting the app’s role in his outreach to voters.
As TikTok’s future remains uncertain in light of national security concerns, the Justice Department continues to argue that its ties to China are problematic. Meanwhile, TikTok insists that it is committed to user privacy, stating that user data is stored safely in the United States with Oracle, and that moderation decisions are made locally.
With TikTok’s popularity soaring among younger generations, its status hangs in the balance as both Trump and lawmakers weigh the implications of its Chinese ownership against its potential benefits in American digital culture.
Keywords: TikTok, Donald Trump, ByteDance
Secondary keywords: national security, U.S. Senate, Oracle Corp
What did Trump say about TikTok in the US?
Trump mentioned that it could be worth keeping TikTok in the US for a little longer. He believes it might have some benefits even amid ongoing concerns about data privacy.
Why are there concerns about TikTok?
Concerns about TikTok focus on data privacy and security. Some people worry that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government since the app is owned by a Chinese company.
What would keeping TikTok in the US mean for users?
Keeping TikTok in the US would allow users to continue using the app without interruption. It would also mean that the platform could explore ways to address privacy concerns.
Is there a timeline for how long TikTok might stay in the US?
Currently, there is no clear timeline stated by Trump or the government regarding how long TikTok will be allowed to operate in the US. Decisions about its future are still being discussed.
Could keeping TikTok affect US-China relations?
Yes, keeping TikTok in the US could have implications for US-China relations. It might ease some tensions, but ongoing debates about technology and security could still lead to challenges in the relationship.
