Trump Adviser: President-Elect Considers Options to "Preserve" TikTok

The Big Picture

Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for national security adviser, revealed on Wednesday that the incoming administration is exploring ways to "preserve" TikTok. The announcement comes amid ongoing legal battles and national security debates surrounding the platform.

Why It Matters?

TikTok, a popular video-sharing app owned by China-based ByteDance, has been at the center of U.S. national security concerns. Critics argue that ByteDance’s ties to China pose risks to user data privacy. The platform’s future remains uncertain as legal and executive decisions loom.

Supreme Court Ruling Pending

• The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding a federal law that requires ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a potential ban.

• TikTok and its users have challenged the law, but initial responses from the Justices indicate the court may uphold the statute.

  
  

Trump's Stance

• Waltz emphasized Trump's dual priorities: maintaining TikTok’s platform for users and ensuring data security.

• “President Trump has been very clear... TikTok is a great platform... but he’s going to protect their data,” Waltz said during an interview with Fox News.

  
  

Potential Executive Action

• Reports suggest Trump may issue an executive order suspending enforcement of the ban to allow for a deal to secure TikTok's future in the U.S.

• Waltz hinted at Trump's willingness to negotiate, stating, "He’s a deal maker... we’re going to create this space to put that deal in place."

  
  

TikTok’s Role in Trump's Campaign

• Trump, who attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, reversed his position during the 2024 campaign.

• His campaign used TikTok extensively to engage younger voters, particularly males, with viral and relatable content.

• Trump credits the platform with boosting youth voter turnout in his favor and pledged to "save TikTok" during his campaign.

  
  

Unanswered Questions

• Trump’s pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, avoided committing to upholding a potential TikTok ban during a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

• Details of how the administration plans to "preserve" TikTok while addressing security concerns remain unclear.

  
  

What’s Next?

As the Supreme Court ruling approaches and Trump’s administration prepares to take office, the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance. Decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether the platform survives under new terms or faces a nationwide ban.