David Bridges
Recent developments indicate that TikTok is strategically leveraging the public persona of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump recently shared a graphic on his social media platform, Truth Social, which highlights his impressive engagement metrics on TikTok. This visual representation seems to have been created by TikTok itself, showcasing his popularity and performance within the app.
Accompanying his post, Trump stated: “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?” This statement reflects a significant shift in his stance towards the app, which he previously sought to dismantle during his first term in 2020. His current endorsement suggests a growing affinity for TikTok and an acknowledgment of its cultural impact.
In recent weeks, Trump has openly expressed his admiration for TikTok, describing himself as a “big star” on the platform. This newfound appreciation is likely influenced by the app’s vast reach and influence, as well as his desire to maintain a strong connection with younger voters who are active on social media. His remarks indicate that he perceives no reason to eliminate the app, given his elevated status among its users.
However, this perspective seems to overlook the national security issues that have led U.S. senators to advocate for a sell-off bill regarding TikTok. By highlighting Trump’s popularity on the platform, TikTok appears to be attempting to appeal to his ego, hoping that this recognition will motivate him to intervene and protect the app from potential bans in the U.S. market.
As it stands, TikTok faces a critical deadline; it must complete a sale to a U.S.-based company by January 19th or risk being banned in the country. Trump’s team has proactively filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of this deadline. This extension would allow Trump an opportunity to navigate alternative solutions after his inauguration on January 20th. While this request has yet to be granted, it could potentially provide TikTok with a reprieve if Trump decides to oppose the Senate’s decision.
Despite this, Trump’s options for effectively resolving the situation appear limited. Nevertheless, with the impending deadline, TikTok seems to be placing its hopes on Trump taking decisive action to prevent a complete withdrawal from the U.S. market. This strategic move indicates that TikTok is keen to maintain its foothold in the American social media landscape.
Looking ahead, the most plausible scenario might involve TikTok returning to the U.S. market after Trump and his team negotiate a new agreement. The specifics of this arrangement remain uncertain, but the clock is ticking, and it seems increasingly improbable that Trump will have the opportunity to enact favorable changes for TikTok before immediate actions are taken.
Even if TikTok faces temporary removal from app stores in the U.S., it is likely to make a comeback. With Trump being such a prominent figure on the app, it will undoubtedly stay on his radar, especially as he assumes office later this month. His engagement with TikTok will likely influence his decisions regarding the app’s future in the American market.
Tessa Everly
Cameron Steel
