Former President Donald Trump expressed his belief that TikTok poses a national security threat but refrained from supporting Congress‘s move to ban the app, citing concerns about boosting Facebook’s influence.
In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Trump acknowledged the potential risks associated with TikTok, emphasizing the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data rights.
While he initially backed efforts to ban the app, he later reversed his stance, indicating that he could have taken action during his presidency but opted to leave the decision to Congress.
Trump highlighted the popularity of TikTok among young users and recognized the platform’s significant user base. However, he cautioned against banning TikTok, suggesting that such a move could inadvertently bolster Facebook’s prominence.
Trump labeled Facebook as an “enemy of the people” and criticized its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. He argued that banning TikTok would allow Facebook to expand its reach, a sentiment he previously expressed in a Truth Social post.
The former president’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the security implications of Chinese-owned apps like TikTok. Trump’s concerns echo broader discussions within the U.S. government regarding potential risks associated with data privacy and foreign influence.
While he acknowledged the complexities surrounding TikTok, Trump’s criticism of Facebook reflects his longstanding adversarial stance toward the social media giant.
Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack due to inflammatory posts. However, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, reinstated his accounts last year after a provisional suspension period.
Trump’s comments underscore the complex interplay between national security considerations, tech regulation, and the role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse.
