In recent times, a curious incident has sparked conversations across social media platforms. Many users are buzzing with theories about why TikTok experienced a brief ban in the US.
Former President Donald Trump has claimed responsibility for ensuring the popular app remains accessible to American users after a mysterious 24-hour blackout. During a celebratory rally on January 19, the 78-year-old shared his belief that TikTok played a pivotal role in his success during the 2024 election, particularly by appealing to younger voters.
The former president witnessed an increase in support from individuals aged 18-29, highlighting a significant presence among young men within this age group. Trump stated he felt compelled to preserve the app’s availability, thus safeguarding many creators’ livelihoods by pushing for joint ownership with ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok.
However, not everyone is convinced by Trump’s explanation. On the internet, many have expressed skepticism, dubbing the move a mere political ploy to gain support. Various social media users have voiced their thoughts, suggesting it was all a calculated publicity stunt.
For instance, an individual on X remarked, “This has to be the biggest PR stunt in USA history,” with sentiments echoed by others who termed the situation as “the most obvious PR stunt ever.” Another user commented, “This was such a PR stunt, and now I hear about Trump saving TikTok from his new supporters.” A further voice indicated, “Having Trump in the notifications for the app closing… this TikTok PR stunt is crazy.”
The prevailing belief seems to stem from the temporary nature of the ban and a perceived close relationship between Trump and TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew. Many suspect it was orchestrated purely for show.
It’s noteworthy that Trump’s desire to ban the app isn’t new. Back in 2020, he also sought to prohibit its use.
As of now, neither Trump nor representatives from TikTok have released official comments addressing the recent events.
Amidst these swirling narratives and theories, it remains uncertain what truly happened behind the scenes. Yet, the episode continues to foster discussions among users, leaving everyone intrigued and slightly bewildered about the true motivations at play.
