The debate about TikTok’s activities in the US is far from over: Last year, legislation passed by Congress and the Senate stated that TikTok should either be sold to an American company or banned completely, but in an unexpected development, the new US president Donald Trump proposed that the government buy half of the platform instead of shutting down TikTok completely. So, what does this proposal mean?
Trump: ‘The US government should buy 50 per cent shares’
Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the US government should own a 50 per cent stake in TikTok. Trump suggested establishing a joint venture between TikTok’s current owners and new investors, arguing that this move is necessary to save TikTok and keep it in proper hands.
Trump also claimed that TikTok cannot do anything without the approval of the US government, saying, ‘There is no such thing as TikTok without our approval. But with our approval, it becomes an asset worth hundreds of billions of dollars, maybe even trillions of dollars,’ Trump said. The former president also stated that he will issue a presidential decree to prevent TikTok from completely shutting down and will ensure that the platform will continue to operate until a new solution is found.
Netflix has announced a price increase across its subscription tiers in the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina
TikTok’s owner ByteDance responded quite positively to Trump’s exit. In a statement on the social media platform X, the company thanked the US government and Trump, stating that ‘the necessary assurances have been provided for TikTok to continue operating in the US’. The company also announced that they will work with the Trump administration on a long-term solution.
Trump’s proposal also raised the question of whether it is possible for the US government to become a partner in a social media platform. Trump, who previously advocated for reducing government spending and small government policies, especially within the Republican Party, seems to have deviated from his own line with this proposal. It is also not clear how this acquisition will be financed and legally realised.
So do you think the US government should really buy half of TikTok? Or should the platform be banned completely? Don’t forget to share your opinions in the comments!
