“Biden Dodges TikTok Ban, Shifts Blame to Trump: Report”
President Joe Biden reportedly has no plans to enforce the TikTok ban set to take effect on Sunday, instead leaving the decision to President-elect Donald Trump just one day before he takes office.
Why It Matters
Last year, Biden signed a bipartisan bill banning TikTok, citing national security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government. However, Trump, who initially supported banning the app, has recently opposed the move and signaled plans to reverse it.
What to Know
According to an Associated Press report on Thursday, an anonymous U.S. official revealed that Biden will not implement the TikTok ban if it activates as scheduled. The responsibility for enforcing or reversing the ban will fall to Trump’s incoming administration.
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, told Newsweek: “President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save TikTok, and there’s no better dealmaker than him.”
Republican Congressman Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, told Fox News that Trump is working on a plan to preserve the app. Waltz credited TikTok as a valuable tool during Trump’s 2024 campaign and emphasized the president-elect’s intent to safeguard users’ data.
“President Trump has been clear: TikTok is a great platform many Americans use, and he’s committed to protecting their data,” Waltz said. “He’s a dealmaker. While I won’t get ahead of any executive orders, we’re working to finalize a solution.”
A Divisive Issue
TikTok’s future continues to divide Washington. While some lawmakers strongly oppose the app’s presence in the U.S., others argue for delaying the ban’s implementation, despite voting for it last year.
What People Are Saying
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (Thursday speech on the Senate floor):
“It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and avoid disrupting the lives of millions of Americans, including influencers who’ve built strong networks of followers. I’ve shared my views with the current administration and will work with the Trump administration and both parties to keep TikTok operational while ensuring our national security.”
White House Spokesperson (previous statement to Newsweek):
“Our position remains clear: TikTok should continue to operate under American ownership. Given the timing—just before inauguration and during a holiday weekend—it will be up to the next administration to implement.”
Republican Senator Tom Cotton (Thursday post on X, formerly Twitter):
“The Foreign Adversary Controlled App Act takes effect Sunday. A 90-day extension requires (a) significant progress (b) in binding legal agreements (c) to close a sale in 90 days. None of that has occurred. Penalties for companies like Apple and Google could hit $850 billion. If I were running those companies, I wouldn’t take a politician’s word on this…”
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments challenging the ban and could still block the law before Sunday. If the law takes effect but neither administration enforces it, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated Monday, marking the start of his second term. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is reportedly attending the ceremony in a prime seating location on the dais, according to the Associated Press.
“Netanyahu Confirms Breakthrough Hostage Deal in Gaza!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza after overcoming a “last-minute crisis,” as reported by the Associated Press (AP). Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet will meet Friday to approve the agreement.
Why It Matters
The agreement follows a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, confirmed on Wednesday. Hamas militants captured over 250 hostages during their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, prompting immense pressure on Netanyahu to ensure their release.
What to Know
- Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of previously delaying the deal by rejecting Israel’s input on prisoner exchanges.
- The agreement, backed by U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatar, aims to release 33 hostages over six weeks.
- CNN reported two American hostages, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Siegel, are included in the initial group to be freed.
What People Are Saying
Netanyahu’s Office (via X): Netanyahu thanked both U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for aiding in the deal. He emphasized his commitment to bringing all hostages home and preventing Gaza from being a haven for terrorism.
Donald Trump (via Truth Social): “This EPIC ceasefire agreement happened because of our Historic Victory in November, signaling to the world our administration’s commitment to peace.”
Joe Biden (via X): “This has been one of the toughest negotiations I’ve ever experienced. It’s a testament to Israel’s pressure and U.S. support.”
What Happens Next
The deal begins Sunday, releasing hostages in three phases:
- Phase One: Ceasefire, hostage/prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid.
- Phase Two: Release of all remaining captives, including Israeli soldiers, and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
- Phase Three: Reconstruction efforts in Gaza, expected to take decades after the devastating war.