Trump signals support for TikTok amid national security debate

The future of the social media giant in the US gets Trump’s backing.

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President-elect Donald Trump hinted at allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US, at least temporarily, citing the platform’s significant role in his presidential campaign. Speaking to conservative supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump shared that his campaign content had garnered billions of views on TikTok, describing it as a “beautiful” success that made him reconsider the app’s future.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced pressure from US lawmakers to divest the app over national security concerns, with allegations that Chinese control of TikTok poses risks to American data. The US Supreme Court is set to decide on the matter, as ByteDance challenges a law that could force divestment. Without a favourable ruling or compliance with the law, TikTok could face a US ban by January 19, just before Trump takes office.

Trump’s openness to TikTok contrasts with bipartisan support for stricter measures against the app. While the Justice Department argues that Chinese ties to TikTok remain a security threat, TikTok counters that its user data and operations are managed within the US, with storage handled by Oracle and moderation decisions made domestically. Despite ongoing legal battles, Trump’s remarks and a recent meeting with TikTok’s CEO suggest he sees potential in maintaining the platform’s presence in the US market.