Donald Trump’s stance on TikTok has seen a dramatic shift just days after he joined the platform. Once a vocal supporter of banning the app during his presidency, Trump has now become an advocate for it.
According to The New York Post, this surprising reversal in his position came to light during a recent conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During his presidency, Trump had strongly favored a ban on TikTok, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. However, in March, he began to pivot away from this stance, and his latest comments confirm this complete turnaround.
On Thursday, Trump made it clear that he now opposes any ban on the popular social media platform, a significant departure from his previous viewpoint.
Speaking with Kirk, Trump was unequivocal in his newfound support for TikTok. When Kirk stated, “And you’ll never ban TikTok, that’s for sure,” Trump responded emphatically, “I will never ban TikTok.” This declaration marks a stark contrast to his administration’s earlier efforts to restrict the app’s operations in the United States.
This change of heart comes at a time when the Biden administration is taking a hardline stance on TikTok. In April, President Joe Biden approved a bill requiring ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the platform by mid-January or face a potential ban, NDTV.
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This decision has been met with criticism from Republicans who remain concerned about the app’s implications for national security.
Trump’s decision to join TikTok and his subsequent comments suggest a strategic move to engage with younger voters, a demographic that heavily uses the platform.
In a 30-second video clip shared by The Post, Kirk asked Trump what his message was to young voters. Trump responded,
“Well, the big message is to vote for Trump. We’re going to make our country greater than ever before. We had something going; it was incredible, and it’s just horrible what’s happened. This is the worst president in history, Joe Biden.”
Trump’s remarks also included a critique of Biden’s recent visit to France, though he was vague about the specifics. “And you look at it, even as a representative, he goes over to France, and something happened that’s not good. I don’t know what it is,” he added, further emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the current administration.
In summary, Donald Trump’s newfound support for TikTok and his active participation on the platform highlight a significant shift in his approach. This move not only aligns him with a younger, tech-savvy audience but also sets the stage for a broader political strategy as he eyes a potential return to the White House.