- Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has expressed support for TikTok despite the potential US ban.
- This move, seemingly driven by personal interests, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election, raises concerns about national security and the integrity of the bipartisan effort to protect the US data breach.
OUR TAKE
Trump’s support for TikTok contrasts with his criticism of Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram. Despite concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential espionage, Trump’s endorsement likely aims to win votes in the upcoming election. His backing of TikTok, alongside his interests in Trump Media, appears self-serving and reflects strategic positioning rather than genuine concern for competition or security.
–Ashley Wang, BTW reporter
What happened
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, expressed his support for TikTok, despite the looming threat of a US ban if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not divest its American assets. Trump stated, “I’m for TikTok because you need competition. If you don’t have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram.” This stance marks a shift from his previous position when he labelled TikTok a threat but then joined the platform last month.
However, as president, Trump attempted to ban both TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat in 2020, but his efforts were blocked by the courts. His successor, President Joe Biden, revoked these executive orders in June 2021. Biden has since signed a law mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US assets by January 19, 2024, or face a ban, citing national security concerns.
The upcoming hearing before the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in September will determine TikTok’s fate. This decision coincides with the final weeks of the 2024 presidential election, potentially influencing the political landscape.
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Why it’s important
Trump’s backing of TikTok comes after his public criticism of Meta Platforms-owned Facebook and Instagram, which suspended him for two years following the Capitol Hill riot on 6 January 2021. He previously vowed never to support a TikTok ban. It seems childish behaviour that one betrayed me and I will jump into the other.
The US government’s push to end Chinese ownership of TikTok underscores worries among lawmakers about potential data breaches and espionage. Despite these concerns, TikTok remains highly popular, with 170 million American users. In the context of the upcoming election, Trump’s support for TikTok will no doubt win the votes of some TikTok fans, enhancing his chances of being elected. The earlier attempted assassination has solidified many voters for him.
Moreover, Trump’s support for TikTok, juxtaposed with his own stake in Trump Media, reeks of self-interest rather than genuine concern for competition. This endorsement could undermine the serious bipartisan effort to safeguard American data from potential Chinese espionage.
