Just hours before his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump proposed that the U.S. should acquire a 50 percent stake in TikTok. This suggestion follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow a controversial ban on the popular social media app, which was set to take effect on Sunday.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from TikTok’s owners, who argued that the ban infringed on the First Amendment. In response, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would issue an executive order on Monday to extend the timeline before the ban’s restrictions come into force. The order aims to provide additional time for negotiations to protect U.S. national security.
Trump stated, “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and ensure its continued operation. Without U.S. approval, TikTok would not exist. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—perhaps even trillions.”
The proposal suggests a joint venture between TikTok’s current or potential new owners and the U.S., with the government securing a significant stake. This plan is presented as a means to safeguard national security while maintaining TikTok’s presence in the U.S. market.
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