By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Reports indicate that Donald Trump is orchestrating the sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets to a consortium of right-wing billionaires and allies. This deal, involving figures like Marc Andreessen and Larry Ellison, is expected to convert the platform into a propaganda tool, raising concerns about democratic values and consumer privacy. Despite claims of prioritizing national security, the move is viewed as a power grab aimed at controlling information and silencing dissent. The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy of media consolidation by Trump’s allies, echoing authoritarian tactics seen elsewhere and threatening the integrity of American media.
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TikTok To Be Sold To Trump’s Right Wing Billionaire Buddies And Converted Into A Propaganda Mill
The writing is on the wall. TikTok is on the cusp of a major transformation, one that could see it fall into the hands of Trump-aligned billionaires and, consequently, become a powerful propaganda machine. The timing of this potential shift is suspicious, with delays in the sale seemingly giving the original owners ample opportunity to subtly alter the platform. These moves may include weakening the core technology or shifting valuable components into separate entities. The end result? A shell of the original TikTok, ready to be reshaped by its new owners.
We have already witnessed the power of social media to shape narratives and influence opinions. The forced exposure to pro-Trump content on Instagram during the last election cycle, for example, highlights how easily platforms can be manipulated to push a specific agenda. TikTok, with its massive user base, particularly among Gen Z and Alpha, is the perfect ground for such an operation. The potential shift in ownership raises serious concerns. This is because it could lead to the proliferation of right-wing viewpoints and potentially radicalize young users. The current state of the internet, dominated by outrage-inducing content, is already concerning, and this move only compounds the problem.
The acquisition of TikTok by Trump’s allies presents a clear and present danger to the ideals of the US. It’s the same playbook we’ve seen before: control social media, control the narrative, and ultimately, control the people. Platforms like Facebook cater to older demographics, while Twitter, under Elon Musk, has become a haven for right-wing voices. TikTok, on the other hand, is primarily used by a younger audience, which makes it a prime target for ideological conversion. The fact that the algorithm will still technically be controlled by China, despite the change in ownership, complicates matters further. This deal suggests that the goal isn’t merely a change of ownership, but to shift the flow of information to serve their own agenda.
The proposed deal appears to be riddled with potential conflicts of interest and ulterior motives. China’s continued control over the algorithm, even after the transfer of majority ownership to US entities, is a red flag. Furthermore, the requirement for users to migrate to a new app could be a tool for identifying and marginalizing those who express dissenting opinions. Ultimately, the transformation of TikTok into a MAGA propaganda platform would be even more dangerous for the country.
The deal also represents a broader pattern of consolidation within the media landscape. The potential involvement of individuals like Larry Ellison, who also has interests in Warner Discovery, points to an attempt to expand media control. All of this indicates a concerted effort to influence the information landscape. Some users suggest that the proposed changes are simply a method to enrich Trump’s allies. But, the fact that the algorithm will still technically be controlled by China, despite the change in ownership, also complicates matters further.
The reaction from within the social media community is largely negative. Calls for mass exodus from TikTok, a sentiment of resignation, and a feeling of having lost faith in the platform are rampant. Some individuals have voiced the concern about this direction as a further example of fascist control. The overall message is one of profound disappointment and disillusionment.
This shift highlights the importance of being critical of the media we consume and the narratives being pushed, as it is a reminder of the need to be aware of the forces shaping our information environment. TikTok’s potential transition into a right-wing propaganda mill is a critical issue.