Former President Trump Warns Against Banning TikTok, Calls Facebook the 'Enemy'

Former President Donald Trump, who initially led the charge to ban TikTok while in office, has now done a complete 180, warning against banning the app and citing concerns about empowering Facebook.

Trump's Warning and Views on Facebook

Trump expressed his concerns during an appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box," stating that banning TikTok would only serve to make Facebook bigger, which he referred to as the "enemy of the people." He emphasized, "I'm not looking to make Facebook double the size," and criticized the platform for its impact on the country.

Legislation and Security Concerns

These comments come at a critical juncture as the House prepares to consider legislation that would mandate ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell the app within six months. Failure to comply would result in the app's removal from U.S. app stores and websites due to national security concerns about the Chinese government's potential access to user data.

Trump's Stance on TikTok and Its Users

While acknowledging the security concerns surrounding TikTok, Trump also highlighted the app's popularity among its users, particularly young individuals who are fervent supporters. He stressed the potential impact a ban could have on these users, noting a recent instance where TikTok users mobilized against a potential shutdown by urging them to contact their representatives in Congress.

Trump's History with Facebook and Meta

Trump's contentious relationship with Facebook, now known as Meta, has been long-standing, with disagreements over the platform's alleged biases and actions during the 2020 election. His false claims about the election on Facebook and Instagram led to a two-year suspension from the platforms. Despite this, Trump and his campaign have since utilized Meta's platforms for fundraising efforts after his reinstatement in February 2023.

Previous Attempts to Ban TikTok

Trump's initial push to ban TikTok during his presidency involved an executive order targeting ByteDance, citing national security concerns regarding data collection and the potential exploitation of personal information. These actions reflected his intentions to wield "emergency powers" and restrict U.S. companies from engaging in transactions with ByteDance.

Future Developments and Response from President Biden

The current status of the legislation mandating the sale of TikTok remains uncertain, with President Biden expressing his willingness to sign it if passed by Congress. Notably, a Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the unfolding situation.