Former President Trump has reversed his stance on opposing a ban on the social media giant Tik Tok. However, despite his change in position and efforts from TikTok and its vast user base, his fellow Republicans in Capitol Hill remain unmoved.
House GOP leaders are pressing forward with plans for a vote on legislation that would prohibit Tik Tok from being available on U.S. app stores unless its parent company, China-based ByteDance, agrees to divest the popular video app.
Even some of Trump’s conservative allies in Congress are openly disagreeing with his newfound support for Tik Tok. Representative Chip Roy of Texas, a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, stated, “Well, he’s wrong. And by the way, he had his own executive orders and his own actions he was doing, and now … he’s suddenly flipped around on that.”
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, another supporter of Trump, emphasized his independence, saying, “I have respect and admiration for President Trump. Nobody controls how I vote on certain issues.”
The legislation, known as the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, received bipartisan support in the Energy and Commerce Committee, clearing it with a rare 50-0 vote. President Joe Biden has endorsed the bill.
According to Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the bill presents TikTok with a choice: remain linked to ByteDance and under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, or opt to sell and operate solely within the United States.
While the bill is expected to pass in the House, its fate in the Senate is less certain as leaders are still evaluating it.
FBI Director Christopher Wray, along with lawmakers from both parties, view TikTok as a national security threat. Concerns revolve around the potential for the Chinese government to access personal data from its vast user base and influence users’ views through algorithms, including on significant issues like elections.
Representative Diaz-Balart compared the situation to his family’s experience fleeing Cuba after Fidel Castro’s rise to power, stating, “This bill is ‘divestment from the Communist Party of China; it’s pretty simple.’ We would have never accepted the Communist Party of China or the Soviet Union or wherever controlling, owning NBC or CBS.”
Tik Tok Faces Congressional Scrutiny Amid National Security Concerns
National security officials are set to conduct a classified briefing for all House members on Tuesday afternoon, focusing on the perceived threats posed by TikTok. In a recent appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” former President Trump acknowledged TikTok as a serious national security concern but hesitated to support a ban, citing concerns about aiding rival Facebook, which he labeled as the “enemy of the people.”
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before Congress, denying allegations that the Chinese government controls the app and refuting claims that China accesses U.S. user data.
As pressure mounts, TikTok is rallying its vast user base to oppose proposed legislation. The platform has deployed in-app pop-ups urging users to contact their representatives, causing a surge in congressional outreach. TikTok creators are actively lobbying House and Senate members on the economic repercussions of a potential ban on their livelihoods.
Representatives Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi penned a letter to Shou Zi Chew, demanding that TikTok cease spreading what they deem as false claims in its campaign to influence American citizens on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. TikTok responded, alleging that Congress’ true objective is to ban the platform in the United States.
As the battle shifts to the upper chamber, Shou Zi Chew is scheduled to meet with senators on Wednesday and Thursday.
Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna, echoing Trump’s concerns, acknowledged his statement but stressed the importance of addressing the potential for Tik Tok to serve as a mass surveillance tool against Americans. Luna, a former Air Force veteran and Instagram influencer, emphasized the need to safeguard against platforms enabling foreign adversaries.
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