National Security and Popularity Collide in Trump’s Latest Challenge [WATCH]

In a move that raises eyebrows, President Joe Biden has decided not to enforce a looming ban on TikTok, leaving the contentious app’s fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump.

As reported by The Associated Press, the decision, confirmed by an anonymous U.S. official on Thursday, underscores Biden’s choice to sidestep an issue Congress mandated last year when he signed a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform by January 19—one day before Trump’s inauguration.

Instead of addressing the national security concerns associated with TikTok, the Biden administration has passed the baton to Trump. The incoming administration, however, appears eager to tackle the issue head-on.

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Trump’s transition team has not detailed specific plans, but national security adviser Mike Waltz hinted that they may seek a compromise to ensure TikTok continues operating in the U.S.

Waltz told Fox & Friends that the law “allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table.” This statement indicates a willingness to strike a balance between national security and the platform’s immense popularity.

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The TikTok saga has drawn attention from both sides of the aisle. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his support for extending the deadline to avoid disrupting the lives of TikTok users and influencers.

“It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, of so many influencers who have built up a good network of followers,” Schumer stated on the Senate floor Thursday.

Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, blocked efforts to extend the deadline, citing national security risks. Cotton was blunt, calling TikTok a “Chinese Communist spy app” that preys on American children by harvesting their data and pushing harmful propaganda.

He stated that TikTok had ample time to find a buyer.

Adding an unusual twist to the ongoing TikTok drama, CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, sharing the dais with tech giants like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. This seating arrangement has sparked speculation about the role tech leaders may play in shaping the incoming administration’s policies.

As far as Trump’s stance on TikTok, he pushed for a ban over national security concerns during his first term, then reversed course in 2024 by embracing the platform.

His campaign leveraged TikTok to connect with younger voters, touting its value in spreading his message. Trump has since pledged to “save TikTok” while protecting user data, framing himself as the ultimate dealmaker.

The legal battle over TikTok is far from over. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the law that requires ByteDance to divest the app. Early indications suggest the Justices may uphold the statute, leaving Trump to navigate a minefield of legal and political challenges.

National security adviser Waltz emphasized Trump’s dual priorities: protecting Americans’ data while preserving a platform that has been integral to his political strategy. “He’s a deal maker,” Waltz said. “We’re going to create this space to put that deal in place.”

For now, the TikTok debate remains a political hot potato. With bipartisan divisions, legal hurdles, and tech industry intrigue, the app’s future in the U.S. is as uncertain as ever.