Background

 On January 19th, 2025, only one day short of President Donald J Trump’s inauguration, the popular social media app, TikTok, went dark. 5 years prior (2020), Trump in his first term of presidency proposed a “ban” on TikTok. He believed it was a “national threat to security,” and that China was trying to steal Americans citizens’ data; The owner of the app is from Singapore, a U.S owned country (Bidens administrations reversed this). Although his concerns may be valid, his recent actions contradict his former arguments. Fast forward to the 19th of January, TikTok gets banned in the United States around 8:00 pm EST. Later, a notification pops up stating that TikTok and Trump will work together to get the app back up in running for the US citizens. 12 or so hours go by, and the app is still off the app store. However, it’s able to function how it used to. The timing of Trump’s inauguration aligning with TikToks’ ban, may lead some wondering…”was this his plan all along?”.

The Scheme

Was there a scheme? Was Trump being honest? There’s not much one can do in terms of answering that question, but citizens are in speculation. 

“For all of those who want tiktok in America, vote for Trump– The other side’s closing it up.” Donald J. Trump

Donald Trump, being the first to ever, was convicted of 34 felony crimes, as a president, and accused of at least 25 cases of sexual assault towards women; not including the gross and degrading comments he’s made. Most likely, whatever deal he made with TikTok was to gain popularity and favor in hopes of disregarding his past actions. About 170 million Americans use TikTok. A lot of creators on the social media app would have lost their jobs– along with small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Even though the TikTok ban is still said to be upheld, many people have put their faith in Trump; Will he be able to save the day again?