News

Donald Trump Reportedly Told Reporters He’s Banning TikTok (Update)

Looks like Donald Trump has made up his mind about banning one of social media’s most popular apps.

On Wednesday, Trump announced that he was considering banning TikTok and possibly other social media platforms. Late Friday night, reporters aboard Air Force One said Donnie told them directly that he will be moving forward with banning the Chinese-owned app.

Donnie told reporters he will act as soon as Saturday, according to CNBC.

President Donald Trump on Friday told reporters he will act as soon as Saturday to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok from the United States, NBC News reported.

“As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States,” Trump said.

He did not specify whether he will act through an executive order, or another method.

“Well, I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or that,” Trump said.

It doesn’t sound like TikTok influencers should hold out much hope either. Despite reports that Microsoft held talks to buy TikTok from its Chinese owner ByteDance, Trump reportedly told reporters he firmly rejected the idea.

ByteDance launched TikTok in 2017 but the app really didn’t get popping until the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. with a reported 2 billion downloads in April. But the rise of its popularity has prompted the Trump administration to scrutinize the app.
TikTok provided The Shade Room with the following statement late Friday night:
“These are the facts: 100 million Americans come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, especially during the pandemic. We’ve hired nearly 1,000 people to our US team this year alone, and are proud to be hiring another 10,000 employees into great paying jobs across the US. Our $1 billion creator fund supports US creators who are building livelihoods from our platform. TikTok US user data is stored in the US, with strict controls on employee access. TikTok’s biggest investors come from the US. We are committed to protecting our users’ privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform.”
Due to the negative publicity, TikTok has tried to distance itself from its Chinese parent company. We’ll keep you posted on any updates.

Want updates directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 or click here to join!

Christina Calloway