Donald Trump Went from Backing a TikTok Ban to Backing Off
Former President Trump has reversed his stance on TikTok, now opposing a ban as he prepares for the 2024 election, citing freedom of expression and his popularity on the platform.
Read original article
In a notable shift, former President Donald Trump has transitioned from advocating for a ban on TikTok in 2020 to opposing the Biden administration's efforts to restrict the app. Initially, Trump viewed TikTok as a national security threat due to its Chinese ownership and data collection practices, which he believed could compromise U.S. security. However, as he prepares for a potential return to the White House, he now describes TikTok as a "unique medium for freedom of expression." This change coincides with his growing popularity on the platform, where he has amassed over 14.7 million followers. Trump's recent legal brief to the Supreme Court seeks to pause a ban on TikTok, allowing him to negotiate a resolution. The Biden administration's law, which requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app or face a ban, has drawn bipartisan support. Critics suggest Trump's reversal is influenced by self-interest and connections to billionaire donor Jeff Yass, who has stakes in ByteDance. Trump's evolving stance reflects a broader trend among Republicans, who are grappling with how to engage with TikTok as a campaign tool. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on the matter, Trump positions himself as a defender of TikTok, warning against the implications of government censorship.
- Trump has shifted from supporting a TikTok ban to opposing it as he prepares for the 2024 election.
- His change in stance is linked to his popularity on the platform and potential influence from donors.
- The Biden administration's law on TikTok has bipartisan backing due to national security concerns.
- Trump's legal brief to the Supreme Court seeks to pause the TikTok ban for negotiation.
- The situation highlights the challenges Republicans face in utilizing TikTok for campaigning.
Related
Trump expected to try to stop looming TikTok ban
President-elect Donald Trump intends to intervene against a TikTok ban in the U.S., despite previously supporting it, amid concerns it could benefit competitors and constitutional rights issues raised by TikTok.
TikTok set to be banned in the US after losing appeal
TikTok's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court follows a federal court's rejection of its challenge against a law addressing national security, potentially impacting content creators and benefiting competitors.
U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over TikTok divestment law
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear TikTok's challenge to a potential ban on January 10, citing First Amendment concerns and potential harm to U.S. businesses and content creators.
Trump Urges Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Ban
President-elect Trump has requested the Supreme Court to pause a law requiring TikTok's sale or shutdown, citing free speech concerns, while the Biden administration supports the law for national security reasons.
Trump asks Supreme Court to pause imminent TikTok ban
Attorneys for President-elect Trump requested the Supreme Court to pause a TikTok ban law, with arguments scheduled for January 10, while ByteDance challenges its constitutionality and civil liberties groups support the app.
0 commentsRelated
Trump expected to try to stop looming TikTok ban
President-elect Donald Trump intends to intervene against a TikTok ban in the U.S., despite previously supporting it, amid concerns it could benefit competitors and constitutional rights issues raised by TikTok.
TikTok set to be banned in the US after losing appeal
TikTok's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court follows a federal court's rejection of its challenge against a law addressing national security, potentially impacting content creators and benefiting competitors.
U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over TikTok divestment law
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear TikTok's challenge to a potential ban on January 10, citing First Amendment concerns and potential harm to U.S. businesses and content creators.
Trump Urges Supreme Court to Pause TikTok Ban
President-elect Trump has requested the Supreme Court to pause a law requiring TikTok's sale or shutdown, citing free speech concerns, while the Biden administration supports the law for national security reasons.
Trump asks Supreme Court to pause imminent TikTok ban
Attorneys for President-elect Trump requested the Supreme Court to pause a TikTok ban law, with arguments scheduled for January 10, while ByteDance challenges its constitutionality and civil liberties groups support the app.