Trump Delays TikTok Ban, Seeks US Stake in App’s Future.
In a surprising move, outgoing US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of a ban on the popular short-video app TikTok.
The ban, initially slated to take effect on January 19th, has now been pushed back by 75 days, giving the Trump administration more time to determine the appropriate course of action.
During the signing of the executive order, Trump suggested that the United States government should hold a 50% stake in TikTok’s US business in return for keeping the app alive. He also warned that he could impose tariffs on China if Beijing failed to approve a deal between TikTok and the US.
China has reportedly indicated its willingness to secure a deal for TikTok’s US operations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “When it comes to actions such as the operation and acquisition of businesses, we believe they should be independently decided by companies by market principles.
Mao also noted that TikTok “has played a positive role in boosting US employment and consumption” and expressed hope that the US will provide an “open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for market entities from all countries.”
The legality of Trump’s executive order, however, remains unclear. The law requiring the divestiture of TikTok was passed by a bipartisan majority in Congress, signed by President Joe Biden, and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Representative Frank Pallone has criticized the order, stating that it is “circumventing national security legislation passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress.”
The drama surrounding TikTok’s future in the US has left millions of American users in limbo. While the app and website are currently operational, it is still not available for download on the Apple and Google app stores.
Trump’s executive order provides a temporary reprieve, but the long-term fate of the popular social media platform remains uncertain.
