President-elect Donald Trump seems eager for MAGA fans to watch Monday’s inauguration on TikTok.
To make this happen, he promised that companies helping to restore the platform before he takes office would face “no liability.” .. Continue reading here ▶
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, was officially shut down on Sunday after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban citing national security concerns.
On Sunday, Trump shared his plan on TruthSocial, urging companies to bring TikTok back online.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” Trump wrote. “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the time before the ban takes effect so we can negotiate a deal that protects national security. My order will also confirm there will be no liability for companies that help keep TikTok running before my order is in place.”
He added, “Americans deserve to watch our exciting inauguration on Monday and enjoy other events and conversations.”
Trump also suggested a business deal, proposing that the U.S. take a 50% ownership stake in a new joint venture for TikTok.
“This deal would save TikTok, keep it in trustworthy hands, and allow it to stay operational,” he explained. “Without U.S. approval, there’s no TikTok. With our approval, it could be worth hundreds of billions—or even trillions—of dollars.”
Trump’s idea of a joint venture between TikTok’s current or new owners and the U.S. government drew mixed reactions. Earlier, his post saying, “SAVE TIKTOK!” upset some of his MAGA supporters.
So far, legal experts have not commented on whether Trump’s proposal would create legal issues for TikTok or ByteDance. However, once Trump officially takes office, he will have the authority to issue pardons for federal offenses, provided a formal application is submitted.
