Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the United States temporarily, offering the embattled social media platform a dramatic reprieve. This move comes amidst the enforcement of a bipartisan law banning TikTok due to national security concerns.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump pledged to prevent TikTok from going “dark,” promising swift action on his first day back in office. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” Trump wrote.
The TikTok Ban: A Long Time Coming
TikTok, a popular app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny in the U.S. for years. Critics argue that its Chinese ownership poses risks of espionage and data breaches, with user information potentially being shared with Beijing. This led to a bipartisan law banning the app, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld last week, allowing the ban to take effect.
The app, which went offline late Saturday night, has millions of active users in the U.S., many of whom rely on the platform for business, entertainment, and community-building.
Trump’s Proposal: A Joint Venture
Trump’s proposed solution involves a unique twist: U.S. government participation in TikTok’s ownership. “The U.S. could take a 50% ownership position,” Trump suggested, hinting at a potential joint venture with ByteDance or new American stakeholders.
“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up,” Trump added. “Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”
This proposal marks a stark departure from traditional U.S. government policy, which rarely involves direct ownership of private companies. However, Trump argued that this approach would safeguard national security while preserving the app’s operations.
A History of Clashes
This isn’t the first time TikTok has been in Trump’s crosshairs. During his first term, he also sought to ban the app unless ByteDance sold its U.S. operations to an American company. That attempt, however, faced legal challenges and failed to materialize.
The renewed ban reflects bipartisan concerns about China’s growing influence and the need to secure user data. While the Biden administration initially adopted a less aggressive stance, recent developments indicate broad political consensus on addressing potential security threats posed by TikTok.
Implications of U.S. Ownership
The idea of the U.S. government owning a significant stake in TikTok raises legal, ethical, and economic questions. Experts argue that such a move could set a precedent for government involvement in private tech companies, especially those seen as security risks.
Dr. Karen Mitchell, a cybersecurity analyst, noted, “A 50% ownership deal could give the U.S. more control over data security and mitigate risks. However, it could also spark debates about government overreach and free-market principles.”
Users React
TikTok’s users, many of whom were caught off guard by the app’s sudden shutdown, have expressed mixed reactions to Trump’s announcement. “I was devastated when TikTok went offline,” said Emily Harrison, a small business owner who uses the platform to market her handmade jewelry. “If this plan brings it back, I’m all for it, but I hope it doesn’t come with strings attached.”
Others have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, arguing that the shutdown caused unnecessary disruption. “The U.S. needs a long-term solution, not stopgap measures,” said tech blogger Mike Rivera.
A High-Stakes Negotiation
Trump’s proposal sets the stage for high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. government, ByteDance, and potential American investors. Key details, including the structure of the proposed joint venture and the timeline for its implementation, remain unclear.
Observers also question whether ByteDance would agree to such an arrangement, given its prior reluctance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations. Moreover, regulatory hurdles and potential lawsuits could further complicate the process.
