Mar 8, 2024,09:39am EST
Former President Donald Trump voiced his opposition to a proposed measure that could lead to the potential banning of TikTok unless its Beijing-based parent company sells the app. This comes despite his previous attempts to ban or force a sale of the social media giant during his own presidency.
KEY FACTS
In his statement on Truth Social, Trump criticized the idea of banning TikTok, suggesting it would bolster the business of competitors like Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. He accused Facebook of “cheating” in the 2020 election, labeling it as an “Enemy of the People,” echoing claims he made about the election’s integrity. Trump’s remarks followed a House committee’s advancement of a bill aiming to compel ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the app within six months or face a ban. This bill primarily targets apps controlled by foreign adversaries, with TikTok being a major focus. However, Trump’s administration had previously taken steps to ban TikTok, including signing an executive order in August 2020 that restricted Americans from engaging in business with ByteDance.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business,” Trump stated. “I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise intends to bring the “critical national security bill” to a vote in the House, prompting further debate over TikTok’s fate. TikTok has vehemently opposed the bill, arguing it infringes on free expression and encouraging users to voice their opposition to lawmakers. The ongoing scrutiny over TikTok stems from concerns about national security and data privacy, especially regarding the potential for the Chinese government to access user data. Despite assurances from TikTok that it operates independently of Beijing, these concerns persist.
KEY BACKGROUND
TikTok has faced scrutiny in the U.S. over national security and privacy issues, with fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Trump’s administration attempted to ban TikTok through executive orders, though legal challenges prevented the ban from being enforced. President Biden revoked Trump’s orders but has maintained pressure on ByteDance to sell TikTok or face potential repercussions.
TANGENT
In response to concerns over TikTok’s security, Congress has passed measures banning the app from federal devices, and several states have taken similar actions. Montana attempted to ban TikTok statewide, but legal challenges have put the measure on hold.