NEW YORK — Donald Trump, during his initial presidency, spearheaded efforts to prohibit TikTok, declaring the widely-used video-sharing application a threat to U.S. national security. However, as Trump prepares to return to the White House, he is being recognized as a potential protector of the app.
Following a brief blackout for TikTok users over the weekend, Trump announced via his social media platform that upon his inauguration on Monday, he would sign an executive order to postpone the ban on TikTok. This order aims to create space for negotiations regarding national security to safeguard its operations in the U.S. He indicated that the order would clarify that businesses would not face repercussions for breaking a law intended to compel the sale of TikTok’s parent company, which is based in China. Soon after, TikTok resumed service, sparking relief among its devoted user base.
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the platform stated in its announcement.
Questions arise regarding Trump’s legal power to unilaterally suspend enforcement of the law, passed with substantial bipartisan backing in April, and recently validated by the Supreme Court. The swift developments from the weekend highlight the evolving discourse surrounding technology, social media, and national security since Trump’s previous tenure. Additionally, this showcases Trump’s attentiveness to these changes, as he effectively connected with voters by utilizing various social media platforms throughout his campaign.
Currently, Trump can claim responsibility for reinstating an app that boasts 170 million users, particularly among younger demographics who rely on the platform for news, entertainment, and income. Politically, this shift indicates a notable alteration in Trump’s standing since his initial stance against TikTok, according to experts like Bill Bishop, who studies China. He noted that if the ban is enforced, it will occur during Joe Biden’s administration, allowing Trump to present himself as TikTok’s champion if it continues to operate.
Additionally, tech company executives have been making significant efforts to enhance their relationship with Trump. Elon Musk, the owner of X and CEO of Tesla, has had better access to the president-elect after investing over $200 million to support his campaign. Meanwhile, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump recently and has adjusted social media policies to align with Trump’s perspectives, including changes in moderation practices.
Prominent tech leaders such as Sam Altman from OpenAI, along with major corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Google, have pledged significant donations to Trump’s inaugural fund. These entities are also navigating intricate regulatory landscapes, expecting more lenient antitrust enforcement if Trump regains power.
In December, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew engaged with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and later attended Trump’s inauguration, demonstrating a proactive approach to securing the app’s future. Chew expressed gratitude to Trump for his willingness to collaborate to ensure TikTok remains operational in the U.S., emphasizing the application’s importance to its users.
When TikTok initially went offline, it acknowledged the sudden change with a brief message before later clarifying the situation by involving Trump in the discussion. The previous law mandated that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, sever its U.S. ties by Sunday. Nevertheless, the Biden administration maintained it had no plans to implement the ban before Trump took office, prompting TikTok to go dark due to perceived uncertainties.
Trump hinted at possibly granting ByteDance a 90-day extension for a sale, though the company has consistently declined to sell. Investors, including former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and businessman Frank McCourt, are eyeing a takeover of the beleaguered company.
Experts like Sarah Kreps from Cornell University warned that there is no indication of ByteDance advancing toward divestment, and highlighted that an executive order cannot override existing law established by Congress. Furthermore, Sen. Tom Cotton cautioned against the legal ramifications facing any company connected to TikTok, underscoring the substantial potential liabilities involved.
In a recent post, Trump suggested new deal terms where the U.S. could possess a 50% stake in a joint venture tied to TikTok, although details remain vague regarding whether this implies governmental control. At a rally, Trump reiterated the significance of TikTok’s return, proclaiming that “we have no choice. We have to save it.”
Having previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, Trump appears to have changed his course during his 2024 campaign, believing that a ban might favor rival platforms like Facebook, which he partially blames for his electoral loss to Biden in 2020. Since joining TikTok last year, he has amassed nearly 15 million followers and attributes the app with helping him connect with younger voters more effectively.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” he mentioned during a news conference last December, reflecting on the impact the app has had.
