Trump Declares TikTok “Worthless” Without U.S. Approval, Suggests Half Ownership

In a recent statement, President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that the popular social media app TikTok would be “worthless” if not permitted to operate within the United States. This declaration came amidst ongoing discussions about the app’s future due to national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance. Trump suggested that if the U.S. were to allow TikTok to continue operations, it should take half of the company’s value, potentially making it worth a trillion dollars.

National Security and Economic Implications

The tension surrounding TikTok stems from fears that the app could be used by the Chinese government to spy on or influence American users. Trump’s comments come after he signed an executive order to delay the enforcement of a ban on TikTok, providing a 75-day period for ByteDance to negotiate a deal that would satisfy U.S. national security concerns.

The President’s proposal of a 50% U.S. ownership stake in TikTok, should it be allowed to operate, is a novel approach to addressing both security and economic interests. This move would not only potentially secure U.S. data but also yield substantial financial benefits for the country if TikTok’s valuation holds true to Trump’s estimate.

Reactions from the Public

Public sentiment on this issue is mixed. Some users have expressed skepticism about the security implications, with one comment stating, “It’s about time we protect our data, but how does half-ownership solve this?” Others see it as an opportunity, with remarks like, “If this deal goes through, it could be a win for U.S. tech investment.”

There’s also concern about the implications for free enterprise and international relations. “Is this setting a precedent for how we treat foreign businesses in the U.S.?” one person questioned, highlighting potential long-term effects on global trade and tech industry relations.

As the deadline for the TikTok deal approaches, the world will watch closely how this unique situation unfolds. The balance between national security, economic gain, and the free flow of digital services remains a complex issue, with Trump’s latest statements adding another layer to the ongoing debate about the future of TikTok in America.

Bias Checker:

Rated center-left by NextGen AI.