In a dramatic turn of events, Donald Trump, who championed the effort to ban TikTok during his first term over national security concerns, is now being hailed as the app’s savior. This shift has captivated the nation’s attention, sparking discussions on both the legality and implications of Trump’s actions ahead of his return to the White House.
On the eve of his second inauguration, Trump announced on his social media platform that he would issue an executive order to delay the TikTok ban. The new executive order, set to take effect after his swearing-in, will protect companies from liability under the law that sought to force TikTok’s divestiture from its Chinese parent company. Hours later, the platform returned to the relief of its millions of U.S. users.
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the app’s announcement read. The swift developments sparked both relief and questions about the legality of Trump’s move, particularly given the Supreme Court’s recent endorsement of the law.
The U.S. Congress passed the law earlier this year with overwhelming bipartisan support, and it was upheld by the Supreme Court just days before Trump’s intervention. However, the legal questions remain unclear—can the president-elect bypass laws already upheld by the courts? Legal experts, including Sarah Kreps from Cornell University, assert that an executive order (EO) cannot override laws passed by Congress, a stance that might result in a future legal battle.
Despite the uncertainty, Trump’s sudden about-face highlights how rapidly the landscape surrounding social media, national security, and technology policy has shifted. This move also signals how Trump is positioning himself to appeal to a new generation of voters, especially younger Americans who make up a significant portion of TikTok’s 170 million users.
TikTok’s popularity, especially among younger demographics, is undeniable. Many users rely on the platform for news, entertainment, and even income. Bill Bishop, a noted China expert, pointed out that the dynamics of U.S. domestic politics may have played into Trump’s hands, with potential political gains if the TikTok ban is lifted during his presidency. “If the ban is enforced, Trump can claim it was Biden’s doing. If it’s lifted, Trump is the hero,” Bishop remarked.
Meanwhile, tech giants, including Elon Musk and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, have sought to improve their relations with Trump, emphasizing his importance in shaping future policy. TikTok, too, is working hard to align with the president-elect, with CEO Shou Chew meeting Trump in Mar-a-Lago and publicly thanking him for his support.
The reversal also reflects broader shifts in Washington’s approach to the tech industry. While the Biden administration recently stated it would not enforce the ban, it left a vacuum of uncertainty that TikTok sought to address swiftly. The decision to “go dark” before Trump’s intervention further underlined the app’s uncertainty about its future in the U.S.
As Trump prepares for his second term, his actions will likely continue to shape the future of social media platforms, their relationship with the U.S. government, and the complex intersection of national security and private business interests. The coming months will likely reveal whether this sudden pivot benefits both TikTok and Trump’s political fortunes.
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