Will Trump Reverse TikTok’s US Shutdown? Everything You Need to Know
TikTok is set to be banned in the United States from Sunday unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its US operations. This decision comes after the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in favour of the ban, citing national security concerns. However, with President Joe Biden stepping down and Donald Trump returning to the White House on Monday, there’s speculation about whether Trump will intervene to save the platform.
Why Is TikTok Being Shut Down?
The ban stems from fears that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance could allow the Chinese government to access sensitive data from American users. Although ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations and refused to sell the platform, US officials remain unconvinced. Congress passed legislation last year mandating the ban unless a US buyer was found.
Biden’s and Trump’s Positions
President Biden has stated he will not enforce the ban during his remaining hours in office, leaving the decision to Donald Trump. Despite initially backing a TikTok ban during his previous term, Trump has now become a prominent TikTok user with over 14.8 million followers.
The White House under Biden issued a statement following the Supreme Court ruling, stating:
“TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law.”
What Happens on Sunday?
As the ban takes effect, TikTok users in the US could face immediate disruptions:
- App Shutdown: TikTok may “go dark,” showing a message redirecting users to a website explaining the ban.
- App Store Removal: Companies like Apple and Google may be forced to remove TikTok from their app stores.
- Gradual Decline: Without updates or new downloads, TikTok’s performance in the US could deteriorate over time, driving users to other platforms.
However, there’s uncertainty about whether the ban will be fully enforced, as Biden has pledged not to prosecute violations during his last hours in office.
Will Trump Reverse the Ban?
Trump’s decision could go in several directions:
- Support the Ban: Trump has historically viewed TikTok as a national security risk. He may choose to uphold the ban as a continuation of his previous policies.
- Negotiate a Sale: Aligning with his “America First” philosophy, Trump could push for TikTok’s US operations to be sold to an American company, resolving the security concerns while keeping the platform operational.
- Suspend the Ban: Trump may use an executive order to delay the ban, giving ByteDance more time to find a buyer or address national security concerns.
Alternatives for TikTok Users
As TikTok faces an uncertain future, many users are already seeking alternatives:
- Xiaohongshu (RedNote): The Chinese app has seen a surge of 700,000 new US users in just two days, with the hashtag #TikTokRefugees trending.
- Reels and Shorts: Meta’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts are poised to capture much of TikTok’s user base, as seen in India’s 2020 ban.
Analysis: Will Trump Save the Day?
Despite Trump’s support for TikTok during his recent campaign, his ability to overturn the Supreme Court ruling is limited. He could delay enforcement or negotiate terms for TikTok’s return, but such decisions would need to align with his broader geopolitical strategies and public image.
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