Donald Trump Plans to ‘Save’ TikTok from Possible US Ban
Recently, there has been buzz about Donald Trump taking steps to rescue the popular video app, TikTok, from a looming nationwide ban. According to one of his close advisers, Trump is keenly exploring different strategies to avert this situation.
As confirmed by Mike Waltz, who is set to be Trump’s national security adviser, there is indeed a discussion ongoing about finding a way to ‘preserve’ TikTok. This announcement followed a report suggesting that Trump might issue an executive order to halt a federal ban, slated to take effect right before he steps into office.
Waltz stated during a Fox News interview, “We’re on a path to finding a balance where we can maintain TikTok but also ensure the safeguarding of people’s data.” Although details about these executive orders are sketchy, Waltz assured that a framework is being designed to facilitate reaching a deal.
Sources reportedly disclosed to The Washington Post that Trump intends to delay the enforcement of this ban through an executive order, potentially postponing the matter for 60 to 90 days. This move might provide a window for negotiating other solutions, including the app’s sale.
As this scenario unfolds, the Supreme Court is examining a legal challenge to the law, which mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, to either divest on national security grounds or risk a ban in a significant market like the US.
Interestingly, Trump’s stance sees a transformation compared to his first term when he sought to ban the app over security threats. Now, during his 2024 campaign, he is advocating to ‘save’ TikTok, crediting it with gaining traction among younger voters.
Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for the attorney general role, evaded addressing whether she would enforce a ban during a Senate hearing, which has sparked further discussions.
Moreover, reports from NBC shed light on the Biden administration possibly exploring ways to ensure continuity for TikTok users, at least temporarily, suggesting they might defer the final decision to Trump’s administration.
