Trump’s TikTok Flip: Disinfo, Not China, Is the Real Goal
Despite initial bipartisan concerns regarding Chinese government surveillance and subsequent attempts to ban the app, TikTok’s status in the U.S. has shifted. The Supreme Court upheld a law allowing the government to regulate foreign-owned apps operating within the country. However, former President Trump, initially advocating for a ban, now champions TikTok due to its effectiveness in disseminating disinformation, a tactic beneficial to his political strategies. This shift highlights the platform’s capacity for manipulating users’ emotions and promoting divisive content, potentially undermining civic engagement and mental well-being. Ultimately, TikTok’s influence, while initially viewed through a national security lens, is now recognized for its potential to manipulate public discourse.
John Q. Hosedrinker