Trump Reportedly Expected To Try To Save TikTok

Former President Donald Trump’s allies reportedly expect him to try to save TikTok, contradicting the current administration’s push for a ban.

At a Glance

Trump opposes the federal TikTok ban set to be enforced by January
Biden approved the ban, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face U.S. app store removal
The ban’s deadline is January 19, one day before Inauguration Day.
Legal challenges and lobbying efforts surround the controversial ban.

Trump’s Evolving Stance on TikTok

Former President Donald Trump has emerged as an unlikely ally for TikTok, the popular social media platform facing a potential ban in the United States. Despite his previous attempts to ban the app in 2020, Trump has shifted his stance, now opposing the federal ban that could be enforced by January. Back in March, Trump reportedly told CNBC that he didn’t want to see the platform banned but still considered it a national security concern.

According to a recent report from The Washington Post, allies of Trump expect him to try to stop the ban on the app once he returns to office. This comes following an announcement from earlier this year where Trump suggested he would work to save the app if voted back in.

Trump previously met with GOP donor Jeff Yass, who has financial interests in the app, although Trump has pushed back on the idea that this factored into his change in position. Trump also joined TikTok himself, amassing a following of 14 million on his page launched in June. The former president has made saving TikTok a campaign promise, stating, “For all of those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump.”

In just two months, former president Donald Trump has built a TikTok following of nearly 10 million.

His success on the app has surprised even his own campaign team, which debated this spring whether he should join the platform. https://t.co/losb3OSKFH

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 8, 2024

The Current TikTok Ban Situation

President Joe Biden approved legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the platform by January or face a ban from U.S. app stores. This decision stems from ongoing concerns about national security implications due to ByteDance’s Chinese ownership. TikTok and ByteDance have challenged the ban in court, claiming it is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment.

The deadline for TikTok to sell or be banned is set for January 19, just one day before Inauguration Day. This timing complicates Trump’s potential interference, should he win the presidency. However, Trump’s allies reportedly suggest he intends to push back on the ban.

Kellyanne Conway, ally who served on Trump’s first campaign and in the White House, says the President-elect “appreciates the breadth and reach of TikTok” and that there are methods of dealing with China “outside alienating 180 million U.S. users each month.” According to her, “Trump recognized early on that Democrats are the party of bans — gas-powered cars, menthol cigarettes, vapes, plastic straws and TikTok — and to let them own that draconian, anti-personal-choice space.”

Legal Challenges and Lobbying Efforts

The U.S. Court of Appeals is currently reviewing the ban’s legality, with a decision expected by December 6. The case may reach the Supreme Court, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Meanwhile, ByteDance has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts, spending significant amounts on lobbyists, including former Trump campaign aide David Urban.

Kellyanne Conway, an ally who served on Trump’s first campaign and during his presidency, says the President-elect “appreciates the breadth and reach of TikTok” and that there are methods of dealing with China “outside alienating 180 million U.S. users each month.” According to her, “Trump recognized early on that Democrats are the party of bans — gas-powered cars, menthol cigarettes, vapes, plastic straws and TikTok — and to let them own that draconian, anti-personal-choice space.”

Potential Outcomes and Uncertainties

If Trump were to win the presidency, he could refuse to enforce the ban or work with Congress to repeal it. Alternatively, he might negotiate a new deal with TikTok, as the Biden administration found enforcing a previous agreement challenging. However, there is uncertainty about Trump’s actions once he has access to new intelligence material, which could affect his stance on the app.

Legal experts advise TikTok to develop a divestiture plan compliant with the law due to the uncertainty of future actions. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for national security, international relations, and the future of social media in the United States.