Can Trump Save TikTok? Impact of U.S. Ban and What Happens Next 541 Likes

In the latest twist to the TikTok saga, the question on everyone’s mind is whether former President Donald Trump can rescue the beloved social media app, which boasts over 170 million users in the United States. The app’s future is in serious jeopardy after the Supreme Court rejected its challenge to a law that could effectively ban it from U.S. shores.

This legislation, signed by President Biden in April, stems from concerns over national security. Critics argue that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be coerced by the Chinese government to share sensitive user data or manipulate content for geopolitical gains. As a result, Congress gave ByteDance a deadline of January 19, 2025, to divest from TikTok or face a potential ban.

Despite these legal hurdles, there’s hope among TikTok users that the Trump administration may step in to preserve the app. But can Trump really save TikTok? Let’s break down the situation and explore what could happen next.

The Road to a Potential TikTok Ban

The U.S. government’s efforts to ban TikTok revolve around concerns over user data privacy and national security. Under Chinese law, the government has the power to demand data from Chinese companies, which raises alarms about the potential misuse of information collected from American users. Furthermore, TikTok’s content algorithm is under scrutiny for its role in spreading misinformation, especially in politically charged times like the Israeli-Hamas conflict or during presidential elections.

The legislation seeks to force ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S.-approved buyer. If not, the app could be banned. The potential impact of such a move on millions of TikTok creators and users is immense, and while critics argue that this violates digital rights, the law has gained traction in Washington.

Trump’s Role: Can He Save TikTok?

Trump’s support for TikTok has been anything but predictable. While he initially sought to ban the app during his presidency, he has since reversed course, voicing strong support for its continued operation. During the 2024 campaign, Trump signaled that he would work to protect TikTok from the looming ban, even filing a brief urging the Supreme Court to pause the law.

But can Trump actually reverse the decision? It’s a tricky question. For one, it would likely require an act of Congress to repeal the law or at least amend it. However, experts have speculated that Trump could leverage his position to convince his administration to refrain from enforcing the law—though that would put tech giants like Apple and Google in a difficult spot, unsure whether the enforcement would change under a different administration.

What Does a TikTok Ban Really Look Like?

If the ban takes effect, it would primarily impact the app’s availability in app stores. Apple and Google could face penalties if they continue to host or update TikTok, making the app unusable over time. It wouldn’t likely be an instant shutdown, but the app’s functionality would degrade gradually, causing frustration among users who rely on the platform for entertainment, business, or community connection.

So, if you’re a TikTok user, don’t panic just yet. There are still ways to protect your data and enjoy the platform, even as the future remains uncertain. For starters, consider limiting TikTok’s access to sensitive information like your location or contacts, and you can always watch videos without creating an account.

What Happens Next?

As the deadline for ByteDance’s divestment approaches, the pressure is mounting. Could TikTok sell to a U.S. company and comply with the law’s requirements? Or will Trump’s efforts to preserve the app come to fruition? Only time will tell. What’s clear, however, is that TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, and it could be a major political issue moving forward.

For now, keep an eye on the legal developments, and prepare for a possible change in how TikTok operates in the U.S.—especially if Trump’s promises to save the app come to fruition.