As TikTok faces a federal ban, Trump suggests a temporary pause while creators express worry over their livelihoods.
Trump Hints at 90-Day Delay for TikTok Ban, Creator Community Expresses Concerns
Trump Hints at 90-Day Delay for TikTok Ban, Creator Community Expresses Concerns
Former President Trump's potential reprieve for TikTok could impact millions of American users.
In a recent phone interview with NBC News, Donald Trump indicated he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a ban set to begin this Sunday, coinciding with his swearing-in as the 47th president of the United States. Trump's announcement, expected Monday, comes after TikTok warned it could "go dark" if the outgoing Biden administration did not assure that the ban would not be enacted.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court upheld a law prohibiting TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests from the platform by January 19. Trump expressed that the possible extension was justifiable due to the complexity of the situation. He further conveyed his decision-making power over the issue, stating, "I'll do that until we figure something out."
On the other hand, the White House dismissed TikTok's claims about going dark as a sensationalist move. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "We have laid out our position clearly. Actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration."
Amidst this uncertainty, TikTok has garnered widespread support, with a user base of 170 million in the U.S. and a significant role in American political campaigns targeting younger demographics. Creators reliant on the platform, like fashion designer Nicole Bloomgarden, voiced their concerns, as a shutdown would drastically affect their income and creative output. “Indirectly, TikTok was the majority of my income,” she lamented.
The situation mirrors previous instances, such as India's 2020 ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps, following geopolitical tensions. The quick prohibition resulted in millions losing access to the platform, replaced by competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
As Trump preps for his presidency, TikTok continues to navigate its uncertain future amid growing tensions between U.S. and Chinese interests over data security. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has condemned any attempts to suppress TikTok in the U.S., signalling the complexities of international relations intertwined with social media platforms.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court upheld a law prohibiting TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests from the platform by January 19. Trump expressed that the possible extension was justifiable due to the complexity of the situation. He further conveyed his decision-making power over the issue, stating, "I'll do that until we figure something out."
On the other hand, the White House dismissed TikTok's claims about going dark as a sensationalist move. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "We have laid out our position clearly. Actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration."
Amidst this uncertainty, TikTok has garnered widespread support, with a user base of 170 million in the U.S. and a significant role in American political campaigns targeting younger demographics. Creators reliant on the platform, like fashion designer Nicole Bloomgarden, voiced their concerns, as a shutdown would drastically affect their income and creative output. “Indirectly, TikTok was the majority of my income,” she lamented.
The situation mirrors previous instances, such as India's 2020 ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps, following geopolitical tensions. The quick prohibition resulted in millions losing access to the platform, replaced by competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
As Trump preps for his presidency, TikTok continues to navigate its uncertain future amid growing tensions between U.S. and Chinese interests over data security. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has condemned any attempts to suppress TikTok in the U.S., signalling the complexities of international relations intertwined with social media platforms.
