Jacob Brown
Ex-US President Donald Trump has slammed a congressional bill that would force TikTok’s parent firm to sell or ban the app in the US.
Former President Donald Trump has voiced opposition to a proposal that would compel ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the popular social media platform by September 30.
Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his tenure in the White House, believes the measure would unfairly benefit Meta, the owner of Facebook.
Debate in Congress
Lawmakers are currently debating the proposed legislation, and President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill if it passes. The legislation aims to address concerns about TikTok’s ties to China and potential national security risks.
Trump’s Perspective
In an interview with NBC, Trump expressed his view that without TikTok, Facebook would become even more dominant. He labeled Facebook as “an enemy of the people” and highlighted the platform’s impact on society.
Security Concerns
Regarding security issues, Trump acknowledged both positive and negative aspects of TikTok. He noted the platform’s popularity, particularly among young users, while also acknowledging concerns raised by the US intelligence community about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government.
The intelligence community has warned about potential Chinese efforts to influence US politics through TikTok.
Comparing TikTok and Facebook
Trump echoed the view that TikTok poses national security risks but also argued that Facebook presents similar threats. He pointed to Facebook’s extensive reach and influence, suggesting that it too could undermine US democracy.
Ongoing Debate
The debate over TikTok’s future ownership reflects broader concerns about technology companies’ influence and potential risks to national security.
The proposed legislation underscores bipartisan efforts to address these concerns, although differing opinions persist regarding the best approach to safeguarding national interests in the digital age.
