The TikTok ban and the app’s immediate return caused confusing whiplash for a lot of young TikTok users in mid-January. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew was quick to thank President Donald Trump for saving the platform. But remain wary, Generation Z, Trump has merely taken credit for solving an issue he helped cause.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE TIKTOK BAN?
When TikTok went dark Jan. 18, the app was only inaccessible for approximately 14 hours, with service returning Jan. 19.
At the time of the temporary shutdown, users received a notification that praised “President Trump” for efforts to return the app, despite his inauguration not having yet occured.
When TikTok returned, users received another notification thanking the then-President-elect Trump for promises to sign an executive order that would pause the ban on his first day as president.
The executive order Trump signed a day later has delayed the ban by 75 days.
BUT LET’S BACKTRACK
Trump’s stance on TikTok has changed significantly since the idea of a ban was first introduced. In fact, Trump was heavily involved in the introduction of the ban.
During his first term, Trump advocated for a TikTok ban many times.
It’s not a crime for a politician to change their mind, but it’s severely annoying to watch one take an idea they originally projected and use it as a monster for themselves to slay.
“When it (TikTok) came back and you opened it, it was like: ‘You can thank Donald Trump.’ I’m not thanking s-,” said Tolu Abisuga, a junior music major. “I’m sorry, but I’m not. I’m not thanking anything. This was his idea four years ago.”
The ban was passed by Congress during the Biden Administration and unanimously upheld by the Supreme Court – of which three justices are Trump-appointed – Jan. 17.
The issue of whether or not to ban TikTok is undoubtedly controversial and debated between like-minded politicians on both sides of the political spectrum, but Trump claiming he saved the app makes as much sense as shoving someone over, grabbing them as they fall and then calling yourself Superman.
The pop-up messages that appeared only killed the happy mood of TikTok’s return; Trump’s actions deserve an eye roll, not applause.
“Of course, you know, the moment he (Trump) has the opportunity, he’s going to make it seem that, from his perspective: ‘Oh, look at the past administration, tried taking it away, and then look at me, I’ll bring it again.’” said Georgi Dimitrov, a senior vocal music education major. “It’s like, well, you were the first person who originally wanted to remove it.”
It makes plenty of sense that the CEO of a major tech company like TikTok would utilize the platform to praise Trump. Major tech CEOs, who are generally billionaires, tend to have a liking for the president.
From the terrifying influence Elon Musk holds in the White House, to the recent disturbing change in Meta fact-checking and diversity policy, we can only expect the uber-wealthy to continue showering our billionaire president with misplaced compliments.
Trump was even surrounded by an unsettling cheerleading team of billionaires at his inauguration.
Trump isn’t loyal to the American people, as he likes to claim. Trump is loyal to the ideas and people that will allow him to stay in power. Considering that motive, supporting TikTok – with its 170 million American users – wasn’t a bad idea.
WHAT’S NEXT WITH THE BAN?
What will actually happen once the 75 days are up is a bit confusing and not easy to predict. There’s a lot of speculation as to who might buy TikTok, though ByteDance hasn’t expressed any newfound interest in selling. Even if the app isn’t bought, actually enforcing the ban is an issue that may be swept under the rug.
Moving forward, keep your facts straight, Gen Z.
We’re the largest demographic using TikTok, and despite being a politically active generation, faith in our ability to make smart decisions dropped significantly in November.
We owe it to future generations to face the truth for what it is: Face Trump for who he is and what he seeks.
Regardless of your views of Trump’s other policies, regardless of your place on the political spectrum, it’s foolish to view the return of TikTok as Trump’s success.
Trump’s self-proclaimed – and CEO-proclaimed – status as a TikTok hero is a ridiculous facade.
So watch the videos, have fun and use your freedom of expression, but don’t forget who’s in office now and don’t give credit where it isn’t due.
