Introduction
The question many still ask is, “Did Trump get TikTok back?” The answer is more complex than it seems. During his presidency, Donald Trump took a strong stance against the Chinese-owned app. The move sparked a nationwide debate. Now, years later, people want to know what really happened. Did Trump succeed in banning TikTok, and did he ever get control of it?
Let’s explore the history, facts, and the current status.
The Origin of the TikTok Controversy
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, grew rapidly among American users. By mid-2020, it became one of the most downloaded apps in the U.S. However, concerns arose.
The Trump administration cited national security risks. Officials worried that TikTok could share user data with the Chinese government. These claims led to executive actions.
Trump’s Executive Order Against TikTok
In August 2020, then-President Donald Trump issued an executive order. It aimed to ban TikTok unless ByteDance sold its U.S. operations. Trump’s order demanded that TikTok’s data and operations be moved to American hands.
The deadline was tight. The administration pushed for transparency and national protection.
The Oracle-Walmart Deal
To comply, ByteDance proposed a deal. Oracle and Walmart would take partial control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The idea was to form a new company named TikTok Global. Oracle would handle data storage. Walmart would manage commerce operations.
Trump approved the deal in principle. He even called it “a great deal for America.” But the deal was never finalized.
What Happened After Trump Left Office
When President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, the approach changed. His administration paused the ban. It ordered a broader review of apps linked to foreign adversaries. TikTok remained under scrutiny but was not banned.
The Trump-era deal faded into the background. TikTok continued operating normally in the U.S.
So, Did Trump Get TikTok Back?
The short answer: No, Trump did not get TikTok back.
His efforts to ban or restructure the app were halted. The Oracle-Walmart deal was never completed. TikTok remained under ByteDance ownership.
Trump pushed hard, but the transition of power led to a different path. The Biden administration chose to review rather than enforce.
Where Things Stand Today
As of now, TikTok is still owned by ByteDance. There are ongoing discussions in Congress about TikTok’s future in the U.S. The topic of foreign data influence remains hot. Several states have placed restrictions, especially on government devices.
But no complete ban has taken place. TikTok remains available in app stores. Millions of Americans still use it daily.
Conclusion
While Donald Trump made major efforts to change TikTok’s ownership, he did not ultimately get the app back or banned. His actions sparked debate and led to proposed deals. But the transition of administrations brought a new approach.
The story of TikTok and Trump is a prime example of how politics and technology often collide. It also reminds us of the ongoing need to protect data in a digital world.
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