Trump’s TikTok Stance Worries National Security Expert
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National security expert Gordon Chang expressed deep concerns over Donald Trump’s recent intervention to postpone a potential TikTok ban that could be implemented before his return to office.
Chang voiced his apprehension about Trump’s actions, stating, “I hope that’s not a pattern, but we’ve got to be concerned. TikTok has violated every pledge it has made to protect the data of Americans, and we know that it’s been engaged in illegal conduct, especially with minors’ information.”
Donald Trump suggested he might favor allowing TikTok to keep operating in the United States, in one of the strongest signals yet that he opposes a potential exit of the social media platform from the US market. Read: https://t.co/CCrOxUj2r4 pic.twitter.com/1DmozlK6Wg
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The situation unfolds as TikTok and the Biden administration present conflicting arguments to the court. The social media platform seeks to overturn legislation that could result in its prohibition by January 19, just prior to Trump assuming the presidency. Meanwhile, the administration maintains that the law is essential for addressing national security concerns related to TikTok and its ownership structure.
Chang further elaborated on China’s use of the platform for information dissemination, particularly regarding significant global events. He emphasized, “This is also just a question of reciprocity, even if it was not involved in bad conduct. China uses TikTok to propagate its narratives, whether it’s Ukraine or Hamas or whatever.”
As a bipartisan bill challenging TikTok passed in the House, Kellyanne Conway joined POLITICO's Health Care Summit where she disputed Trump's flip-flopped stance on TikTok.
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The security expert highlighted the disparity in digital platform access between the two nations. “So clearly, this is just also a question of reciprocity, even if it was not involved in bad conduct. No American app is in China. So why are we allowing these Chinese apps in our country? This is, you know, reciprocity should be a foundation of America first,” Chang concluded.
