President-elect Donald Trump recently revealed that he would like to keep TikTok around in the U.S. for a little longer, despite a looming ban set to take effect in less than a month. Speaking at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump highlighted the immense popularity of TikTok, noting that his own presence on the app had resulted in billions of views. He remarked that after reviewing a chart showing the app’s engagement, he was inclined to keep TikTok operational for the time being, calling the response “great” and “beautiful to see.”
Trump’s comments came following a meeting with TikTok’s CEO, where he expressed that he had developed a “warm spot” for the app. The U.S. government had previously taken a hard stance against TikTok, citing national security concerns due to its ownership by the Chinese tech company ByteDance. Despite these concerns, Trump’s remarks suggested a shift in tone, as he seemed to appreciate the positive attention TikTok had helped generate for him.
The scheduled ban, set for January 19, 2025, was prompted by legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden in April. The law mandates that ByteDance must sell its stake in TikTok or face a complete ban in the U.S. by the deadline. ByteDance has vigorously opposed the bill, filing legal challenges and seeking to prevent the sale of the app. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments related to the case on January 10, just days before the deadline.
While the legal battle continues, Trump’s desire to delay the ban reflects the ongoing debate surrounding TikTok’s impact in the U.S. The app has become a central tool for both entertainment and political outreach, with billions of Americans and global users engaging daily. As the deadline nears, the situation remains fluid, with legal, political, and business interests all weighing in on TikTok’s future in the U.S.
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