Here’s what’s happening:
• The backstory:As President in 2020, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was blocked by the courts.
Today? He seems to have changed his tune.
• The law:A new federal law, signed by Biden, would ban TikTok on Jan. 19 unless its Chinese ownership divests. TikTok is pushing back—asking the Supreme Court to intervene.
• The meeting:Trump and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew met this week at Mar-a-Lago. Trump, in a surprising pivot, said he has a “warm spot” for TikTok and credited it for helping him with younger voters.
• The stakes:Supporters of the ban say TikTok’s Chinese ties pose a privacy risk and risk content manipulation. The opposition? They see the platform as a vital tool for communication, business, and connection.
What’s next?
The ban would take effect one day before Trump’s potential return to office—if Biden doesn’t grant a 90-day reprieve.