TikTok appears to be playing its cards strategically, leveraging President-elect Donald Trump’s fascination with his public image as a potential lifeline against the threat of a U.S. ban. The video-sharing app shared a graphic—later posted by Trump on Truth Social—highlighting his growing popularity on the platform. The accompanying caption? “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?”
The timing of this post raises eyebrows, coming just weeks before the U.S. government’s deadline for TikTok to sell its U.S. operations or face removal from app stores nationwide.
A Change in Tune
This isn’t Trump’s first brush with TikTok. Back in 2020, he led efforts to force a sale of the app, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. However, his stance seems to have shifted dramatically. Trump now publicly praises the platform, claiming he’s become a “big star” on TikTok.
This personal affinity for the app contrasts sharply with lawmakers’ concerns. The Senate-backed bill to force TikTok’s sale or ban it outright focuses on protecting Americans’ data from potential exploitation by the Chinese government. For TikTok, the stakes are high. Appealing to Trump’s ego may be a calculated gamble to secure a favorable outcome.
The Clock is Ticking
TikTok faces a strict deadline: January 19. By then, it must finalize a deal to transfer ownership to a U.S.-based company or risk being pulled from American app stores. Trump’s team recently filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court seeking to extend this deadline. If approved, the extension could buy TikTok more time to broker a deal or explore alternative solutions.
However, Trump’s ability to intervene directly is constrained. While TikTok’s recent efforts to curry favor may influence his personal stance, the legal and political machinery required to overturn Senate approval isn’t easily sidestepped. The app may be banking on Trump’s anticipated executive action post-inauguration on January 20.
What Happens Next?
If TikTok fails to meet the January 19 deadline, it could disappear from U.S. app stores, at least temporarily. While this might seem like a death knell for the app, analysts suggest that a return to the U.S. market could be possible under a Trump-led administration. A renegotiated deal might allow TikTok to re-enter the space under conditions that appease lawmakers and national security experts.
But what would that deal look like?
- A transfer of operational control to a U.S.-based entity could satisfy regulatory concerns.
- New data governance rules could ensure that American user data remains inaccessible to foreign entities.
- Public relations campaigns—such as this apparent appeal to Trump—may become more common as TikTok looks to shore up its political support.
Trump’s Influence on TikTok’s Fate
Regardless of the immediate outcome, Trump’s growing popularity on TikTok ensures the app will remain part of his media narrative. His unique presence on the platform could become a pivotal factor in TikTok’s eventual return or survival strategy in the U.S.
For TikTok, Trump’s star power might not just be a PR boon but a critical element in its broader plan to maintain its U.S. presence. Whether this gambit will work remains to be seen, but with days ticking down, the app is clearly pulling every lever it can.
