Donald Trump announced a potential 90-day reprieve for TikTok, just days before the app is set to be banned in the United States. The former President, who is set to be sworn in as the 47th US President on Monday, remarked that he would "most likely" offer an extension to TikTok amidst national security concerns. The app, which boasts 170 million users in the US, was slated for removal from app stores and web-hosting services due to a law passed in April.
Trump’s decision comes on the eve of his inauguration. He expressed his intentions to NBC News, asserting his authority over the impending decision. An official announcement is expected after he takes office. The Chinese embassy in Washington DC criticized the United States for what it perceives as an unjust suppression of TikTok. The embassy pledged that China would "take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."
"Well, I have the right as you know, I'm the one who is going to be calling the shots," – Donald Trump
"Most likely, I'll extend for 90 days – you have the extension for 90 days as you probably know. I'll do that until we figure something out." – Donald Trump
The looming ban has raised concerns among content creators and small businesses reliant on TikTok for revenue. Nicole Bloomgarden, a content creator, conveyed her apprehension about the ban's impact on her income stream.
"Indirectly, TikTok was the majority of my income because all brands want their stuff to be promoted on the app," – Nicole Bloomgarden
Despite previous support for a TikTok ban, Trump recently expressed a "warm spot" for the app. This change in stance comes amid accusations from US national security officials that Chinese spies could potentially exploit the app's data to track American federal employees and contractors—a claim TikTok has vehemently denied. Meanwhile, ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has refused proposals to sell the app.
India provides a precedent for potential outcomes of a TikTok ban. Following a deadly border clash with Chinese forces in 2020, India banned the app, affecting around 200 million users who were subsequently blocked from accessing it. Meta emerged as a significant beneficiary from this move, capturing much of TikTok's market share in India.
Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the situation, suggesting that companies like TikTok should hold off on any major actions pending the new administration's stance on the issue.
"We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday," – Karine Jean-Pierre
"We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them." – Karine Jean-Pierre
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration alongside other technology executives. This presence signifies TikTok's ongoing efforts to negotiate its future within the US market.