TikTok Returns: Trump’s Fast Fix After Supreme Court Ruling
Table of Contents
- 1. TikTok Returns: Trump’s Fast Fix After Supreme Court Ruling
- 2. TikTok: A Platform of Connection and Controversy
- 3. The Ever-Changing Landscape of Social Media: Finding Community in a Ban’s Shadow
- 4. TikTok Ban: A Nation Debates National Security vs. Free Expression
- 5. What are the potential consequences for self-expression and online communities if TikTok is banned in the United States?
In a shocking reversal, TikTok roared back to life in the U.S. on January 19, 2025, just hours after a nationwide ban took effect. The app’s sudden restoration came courtesy of President Donald Trump, whose “efforts” were prominently displayed in a message welcoming users back.
This dramatic comeback marked the end of a long and arduous battle for TikTok. The app first found itself under threat in July 2020, when then-acting President Trump considered banning it as “retaliation for China’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the Associated Press.
By August of that year, Trump issued a “sweeping but vague” executive order, prohibiting American companies from conducting any transactions with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. This was followed shortly by a second order, demanding ByteDance divest itself of TikTok’s U.S. operations within 90 days, as reported by the Associated Press.
ByteDance refused to comply, rather suing the Trump management for allegedly violating due process with these executive orders. The fight seemed to wane when Trump lost the 2020 election, but the issue reignited after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ban on January 17,2025.
President Joe Biden chose not to enforce the ban during his final days in office, leaving the fate of TikTok in the hands of President-elect Trump. He wasted no time, fulfilling his promise to save the app just hours before his second inauguration, despite previously calling TikTok a threat.
TikTok: A Platform of Connection and Controversy
TikTok, the short-form video app known for its viral trends and engaging content, has become a dominant force in the social media landscape.
Its journey started in 2017 when ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, acquired the popular lip-syncing app Music.ly. The rebranded platform, TikTok, officially launched in August 2018, combining the features of both apps to create a new social media experience.
From its inception,TikTok has been lauded for its ability to connect individuals and foster creativity. Small businesses have leveraged TikTok Shop, the platform’s e-commerce feature, to reach new audiences and generate meaningful revenue. In fact, TikTok Shop generated a staggering $17.5 billion for small businesses nationwide in 2024.For many, TikTok has become a haven for self-expression and a space to build community. Kat Hawthorne, a second-year acting major at Ball State University, embodies this sentiment.Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at age 15 and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,Hawthorne turned to TikTok as a coping mechanism and a way to connect with others who understood her experiences.
“TikTok has always been, I feel, like a nice safe space,” Hawthorne shared. “I love posting on TikTok as I end up on the algorithms of people who are interested in the type of content I post.”
However, TikTok’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. The app’s close ties to China have raised concerns about data security and censorship. In recent times, former President Donald Trump’s attempts to ban TikTok in the United States have further fueled the debate about the platform’s role in society.
Hawthorne views the controversy surrounding TikTok with a critical eye.“If, to use this app, I have to thank him, then I will just give up. I’d rather never use TikTok again than have to thank him for this,” Hawthorne stated. “Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but a lot of this seems like he wants to be a hero. It feels like a ruse to get people to like him more.”
The evolving landscape of TikTok reflects a broader conversation about the power of social media, its impact on culture, and the delicate balance between freedom of expression and national security. As tiktok continues to evolve, its ability to foster connection and creativity will undoubtedly be intertwined with the ongoing debate surrounding its role in the digital world.
The recent threat of a TikTok ban in the United States cast a spotlight on the ever-shifting dynamics of social media. As the possibility of losing access to the platform loomed, many Americans turned to choice apps, sparking a scramble to find new spaces for connection and expression.
One app that saw a surge in popularity was RedNote, known in its native China as Xiaohongshu. This Chinese social media platform, which shares similarities with TikTok, became the top downloaded app in the U.S. as users sought out a replacement for their beloved platform. The hashtag “#tiktokrefugee” even trended within the app, showcasing the wave of users seeking refuge on a new digital frontier.
For content creators like Kat Hawthorne, a second-year acting major at ball State University, the potential ban highlighted the importance of cultivating a supportive online community. Hawthorne, known for her eclectic fashion sense and advocacy for disability awareness, found a welcoming space on TikTok. “I’ve met so many people who are uplifting and embracing,” she shared.
Kat Hawthorne, a second-year acting major at Ball State University, makes a TikTok video with her crutch mobility aid Jan. 10 at her apartment in muncie, Ind. Hawthorne’s social media posts are primarily centered around her eccentric fashion and disability awareness.
Katherine Hill, DN
Hawthorne credits TikTok’s algorithm for curating a more specialized and accepting audience compared to other platforms like Instagram reels. “I feel like Instagram Reels’ algorithm is a lot less specialized on what you want to see, so that is where I’ve gotten hundreds of hate comments,” she explained.
While striving for authenticity in her content, Hawthorne has learned to navigate the challenges of online negativity. She’s found that over time, hate comments have lost their sting. “I am monetized on Instagram reels, so I do make money from posting reels — not that much — but that means every comment gives me a little bit of money,” she mused. Now, Hawthorne even embraces the negativity, stating, “So, comment hate — you
TikTok Ban: A Nation Debates National Security vs. Free Expression
The fight for control over TikTok took a sharp turn in early 2025 when the app faced a potential nationwide ban. This sparked a fierce debate about national security concerns versus freedom of expression, leaving many Americans questioning the government’s authority and the future of social media.
The controversy ignited when President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aiming to tackle what he perceived as a threat to national security posed by the immensely popular video-sharing app TikTok. The order proposed a 75-day window for TikTok to be “open” while the administration grappled with how to safeguard national security without silencing a platform beloved by millions.
the sudden move left many, including cybersecurity experts like Ball State student Ethan Smith, baffled. “I’m no politician,” Smith stated, “Personally, do I think it’s a threat? Probably not. It’s just for fun videos,” he reasoned.
Despite his doubt, Smith, acknowledging the complexities of cybersecurity in an evolving digital landscape, added, “In the world of cybersecurity, you never know.” This comment reflected the inherent ambiguity surrounding TikTok’s potential risks, particularly amidst evolving geopolitical tensions.
Adding fuel to the fire were the swift actions of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which owns Instagram Reels, a near-identical competitor to TikTok. Just as news of the ban broke, Instagram started prompting users to connect their TikTok accounts to their Facebook profiles, raising eyebrows about potential strategic maneuvering.
Together, Instagram launched “edits,” a new video editing app eerily similar to TikTok’s popular companion app, CapCut. This timing sparked speculation about a concerted effort to capitalize on the potential TikTok void.
For Ball State student Jenna Hawthorne, the issue goes beyond the app itself. She sees the onus on users to critically evaluate information online,not solely on the platform itself. “The internet, as a whole, has so much you can be deceived with.So, yes, I do think TikTok does [deceive its users], but I also think anywhere online does that. Social media should not be your source of news.Its a cool way to learn about something, but further research is so crucial,” she asserted.
the government’s authority to intervene in this manner, coupled with the speed of these events, has left many questioning the bigger picture. “Nothing is perfect,” Hawthorne admitted,echoing the sentiment held by many.”I know our government controls things, but [TikTok] is so directly linked to trump now, and I don’t trust it. It makes me want to step back from TikTok,” she shared, highlighting a growing concern about government control over online platforms.
Despite the temporary reprieve,the TikTok saga remains far from over. The questions surrounding national security, freedom of expression, and the evolving role of technology in our lives are still being debated. It remains to be seen what the final chapter of this story will be, but one thing is certain: the debate surrounding TikTok has opened a window into a much broader conversation about the future of the internet in the 21st century.
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What are the potential consequences for self-expression and online communities if TikTok is banned in the United States?
Summary:
- TikTok’s origin and Growth:
– Founded in 2017 by ByteDance, a Chinese company, after acquiring Musical.ly.
– Launched as TikTok in 2018, combining features of both platforms.
– Known for its short-form videos, viral trends, and engaging content, becoming a dominant social media force.
- TikTok’s Impact:
– Fostered self-expression,creativity,and community building.
– Benefitted small businesses through its e-commerce feature, TikTok Shop.
– Helped individuals navigate personal challenges, like Kat Hawthorne, who used it to connect with others about her experiences with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
- Controversies and Debates:
– Rumors of censorship and data security concerns due to its Chinese affiliation.
– Attempts by former President Donald Trump to ban TikTok in the United States.
- The Potential Ban and Option Platforms:
- The threat of TikTok’s ban led users to explore alternatives like RedNote (Xiaohongshu), initially causing a surge in its popularity.
- The debate: National Security vs. Free Expression:
- When President Trump issued an executive order targeting TikTok under national security concerns, it sparked a fierce debate about the balance between these factors.
- The ban’s impact on free expression and online communities was a significant part of this discussion.
