Former President Donald Trump voiced concerns about TikTok, labeling it a national security threat. However, Trump — who initially favored banning TikTok — has now reversed his position.
During an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Monday, March 11, Trump reiterated his belief that TikTok poses a national security risk. However, Trump said he opposes Congress banning it due to concerns that such action would strengthen Facebook, which he dubs an “enemy of the people.”
“I do believe it, and we have to very much go into privacy and make sure we are protecting the American people’s privacy and data rights,” Trump said. “And I agree, but we also very much have that problem with others. You have that problem with Facebook and lots of other companies, too. I mean, they get the information, and they deal with China, and they’ll do whatever China wants.”
Trump mentioned that he could have banned TikTok while in office but chose to defer the decision to Congress. On March 7, a House committee unanimously advanced a bipartisan bill that would compel TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban in the United States. The bill is now headed to the House floor, where it needs two-thirds support to pass.
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