Lawmakers have expressed concerns over ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese government, claiming the company could be compelled to share US user data or promote propaganda.
Despite Trump’s reassurances, some lawmakers remain skeptical of his ability to reverse the ban. Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts issued a joint statement on Sunday, declaring, “Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date.”
Cotton further emphasized on the Senate floor earlier in the week, “There will be no extension, no concession, and no compromises for TikTok.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed these sentiments, telling NBC, “I’m heartened to see that Google, Apple, and Microsoft have taken steps to comply with the law.”
Inauguration Day Developments
The ongoing debate over TikTok’s future is expected to take center stage during Monday’s inauguration events, where TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is anticipated to make an appearance. The presence of Chew highlights the gravity of the situation and the platform’s efforts to navigate an increasingly complex political landscape.
