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Donald Trump on TikTok Stance

Reversed ban advocate (strong)

Donald Trump's stance on TikTok has evolved dramatically between his first and second presidential terms.

During his initial presidency, Trump took executive action attempting to force a sale or ban the popular video-sharing app due to national security concerns related to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

However, by the 2024 campaign, Trump reversed this position, arguing that a ban would primarily benefit Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg, whom he links to his 2020 election loss. Following his 2024 election victory, he has positioned himself as a temporary savior of the platform, delaying enforcement of a potential ban to negotiate a resolution.

He joined the platform himself in 2024, claiming it helped him win over young voters, and his administration is now reportedly seeking a deal to keep it operating in the U.S. while addressing security concerns.

Context

Donald Trump's evolving view on TikTok is significant due to his role as president, where he previously attempted to use executive power to ban the app.

His initial concerns centered on the app being owned by China-based ByteDance and the potential for the Chinese Communist Party to access American user data for blackmail or espionage.

His current opposition to a ban is heavily influenced by his belief that Facebook (Meta) played a role in his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, making him reluctant to take an action that would bolster that company's market position.

Timeline

  1. Then-President Donald Trump announced his administration would ban TikTok.
  2. Trump signed Executive Order 13942, seeking to ban TikTok within 45 days if its parent company, ByteDance, did not sell the U.S. operations.
  3. Trump reversed his previous position and began advocating against a TikTok ban during his 2024 campaign.
  4. Donald Trump joined the TikTok platform.
  5. On the eve of his second inauguration, Trump indicated he would delay any pending ban to work on a solution.

Key Quotes

"As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States."

Reporters' comments July 1, 2020 — Statement made by Trump while in office regarding the application.

"If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business."

TruthSocial post March 1, 2024 — Stating his reason for opposing a ban during the 2024 campaign.

"I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok... TikTok had an impact."

News conference December 1, 2024 — Speaking after the election about the app's effect on youth voters.

"As of today, TikTok is back... We have no choice. We have to save it."

Social media statement January 1, 2025 — Announcing the delay of the mandated divestiture shortly after his second inauguration.

Related Positions

  • Executive Order 13942 (2020) This was the executive action Trump signed during his first term attempting to ban TikTok.
  • China Trade War His initial concerns about TikTok were part of a broader administration focus on Chinese technological and trade practices.

Comparison

The shift in Donald Trump's TikTok position contrasts sharply with his first administration's policy.

  • First Term Stance: Strong national security-driven push for a ban or forced sale of the app due to ownership by ByteDance.
  • Second Term Stance: Opposition to a ban, driven by a perceived rivalry between TikTok and Facebook over the 2020 election outcome.