He believes there is a bigger threat.
Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his concerns about TikTok, labeling it as a potential national security threat due to data privacy issues. Despite his belief in the security risks posed by the popular app, Trump indicated his reluctance to support Congress’ efforts to ban it. In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Trump emphasized the importance of protecting Americans’ privacy and data rights but highlighted his decision to leave the fate of TikTok in Congress’s hands.
Trump admitted that he could have taken action against TikTok during his presidency but chose not to, citing the app’s large user base, particularly among young people. He raised concerns that banning TikTok could inadvertently benefit Facebook, a platform he has criticized as an “enemy of the people.” Trump’s animosity towards Facebook stems from his belief that a ban on TikTok would drive users towards its rival platform, potentially boosting its growth.
The former president’s stance on TikTok comes amidst bipartisan efforts in Congress to address the app’s ties to its parent company, ByteDance, based in China. Both Republican and Democratic leaders have co-authored a bill aimed at severing TikTok’s connections with China, with President Joe Biden expressing support for the proposed legislation.
Trump’s criticism of Facebook and his concerns about TikTok’s security coincide with his own experiences with social media platforms. His accounts on Facebook and Instagram were suspended following the Capitol riot in January 2021, although they were reinstated by Meta, the parent company of both platforms, after a two-year provisional suspension. Subsequently, Trump launched his own social media platform, Truth Social, in 2022, seeking alternative avenues to connect with his supporters.
The debate surrounding TikTok’s security risks and its potential influence on users continues to attract attention from U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials. There are apprehensions that the Chinese government could exploit the app to access user data and influence public opinion, including political discourse. Despite assurances from TikTok’s CEO that the app is secure, concerns persist about its susceptibility to foreign interference.
Moreover, Trump’s engagement with conservative influencers on platforms like TikTok underscores the broader political implications of social media. By aligning himself with right-wing voices, Trump seeks to leverage their influence as part of his re-election campaign strategy. However, controversies surrounding some of these influencers, such as discriminatory content targeting the LGBTQ community, have sparked criticism and raised questions about Trump’s alliances in the digital sphere.
