Former President Donald Trump, in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” acknowledged concerns about TikTok posing a national security threat. While he initially supported banning the app, he later withdrew his backing, suggesting Congress make the decision. Trump expressed fears that a ban might inadvertently bolster Facebook, which he criticized as the “enemy of the people.”
Trump explained his shift, highlighting the app’s popularity among young users and the potential consequences of its prohibition. He warned against TikTok’s absence potentially empowering Facebook, a platform he perceives negatively. Trump’s recent labeling of Facebook as an “enemy of the people” aligns with his criticism of the platform’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg.
Trump’s relationship with social media has been contentious, with his Facebook and Instagram accounts suspended following the Capitol attack in 2021. He later launched Truth Social after Meta reinstated his accounts. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts in Congress, led by figures like Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, aim to address concerns over TikTok’s ties to China-based ByteDance. President Joe Biden supports legislation that could result in a TikTok ban if these ties aren’t severed.
The pending legislation underscores widespread apprehension among lawmakers and intelligence officials regarding Chinese influence through TikTok. Despite assurances from TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about the app’s safety, doubts persist about potential data access by the Chinese government.
Trump’s political maneuvers involve engaging with conservative influencers like Libs of TikTok and the Babylon Bee. However, controversies surround some of these figures, including allegations of discrimination against the LGBTQ community against the creator of Libs of TikTok, Chaya Raichik.
