Why The Ultimate End of TikTok May Not Be On Our Horizon  – by Aron Solomon

The Supreme Court delivered what many believe will be a fatal blow to TikTok in the United States, paving the way for a nationwide ban of the app. But while this decision appears to spell doom for the platform, I strongly disagree with the notion that TikTok’s days in the U.S. are so finitely numbered.

The larger picture here is that TikTok has become an economic and cultural force in the United States. It supports millions of creators, influencers, and small businesses who depend on the platform for their livelihoods. Its ban would ripple across industries tied to digital marketing, e-commerce, and content creation, causing significant economic disruptions. This isn’t just about an app—it’s about the ecosystem it supports, the lives it impacts, and the broader implications for American competitiveness in technology.

Enter President Trump. With his second term set to begin this week, I believe one of his first major moves will be to issue an executive order to save TikTok. It aligns perfectly with his pro-business and populist persona. By intervening to preserve the platform, Trump positions himself as a protector of American innovation, jobs, and economic opportunities—particularly among younger generations who form a significant part of TikTok’s user base. It’s also a savvy political move that would help him secure goodwill from key demographics.

The importance of TikTok extends beyond U.S. borders. A ban on the platform would leave a massive void in the social media landscape, one that foreign competitors—especially from China—could quickly exploit. This creates a paradox: banning a Chinese-controlled app might inadvertently strengthen China’s influence by opening doors for other foreign competitors like the recently launched Chinese platform, RedNote. The broader strategic question is this: Does banning TikTok actually protect American interests, or does it weaken them in the global tech race?

It’s likely that President Trump will frame his executive order as a measure to address national security concerns while keeping the U.S. competitive on the world stage. Instead of a blanket ban, the order may impose strict regulations, requiring TikTok to store all user data domestically, comply with rigorous U.S. privacy laws, and possibly sell its ownership to an American entity or consortium. Such measures would allow TikTok to operate in the United States while addressing legitimate concerns about data security and foreign influence.

Moreover, this executive order could include provisions for ongoing security audits and tighter oversight to ensure compliance. Trump may also use this opportunity to champion American-made social media platforms, strengthening the domestic tech industry in the process. By taking these steps, Trump could effectively neutralize the security risks associated with TikTok without undermining the economic and cultural benefits it provides.

But while the TikTok debate has dominated headlines, we need to take a step back and recognize that this issue is far bigger than one app or even one country. TikTok’s popularity and controversies highlight a much broader reality about the nature of big technology companies. Whether it’s TikTok, Facebook, Google, or countless others, these platforms offer us free services in exchange for something far more valuable: our data. That data is then monetized, shared, and sometimes weaponized in ways that are often opaque to the public.

It’s easy to frame this as a “China issue,” but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be deluded into thinking that the challenges TikTok presents are unique. The reality is that big tech companies—regardless of where they are headquartered—operate within a framework where data is currency and power. Concerns about privacy, influence, and control are not exclusive to TikTok or Chinese tech firms. They’re embedded in the very structure of the global technology economy.

This raises critical questions that go beyond national security: How do we regulate the tech giants who increasingly dominate our lives? How do we balance the undeniable benefits of these platforms with the risks they pose to privacy, democracy, and autonomy? And, importantly, how do we prevent national security concerns from being used as convenient scapegoats to obscure larger systemic issues?

Of course, Trump’s executive order to save TikTok would face significant challenges—legal battles, backlash from skeptics of its ties to China, and criticism over potential national security risks. But Trump thrives on controversy. He could easily spin this as a bold move to protect free speech, innovation, and economic prosperity. At the same time, this would serve as a not-so-subtle reminder to the Supreme Court that a 6-3 conservative majority comes with certain expectations to align with his administration’s vision over the next four years.

In truth, there’s little downside for Trump in making this move. By stepping in as TikTok’s savior, he bolsters his image as a business-friendly leader and guardian of American jobs while reinforcing his hold over key tech and entrepreneurial constituencies. And politically, it’s a masterstroke—challenging the Court’s decision while framing himself as a champion of both freedom and security.

At its core, the TikTok controversy is about far more than just one app. It’s a microcosm of the intersection between technology, national security, and global competition. But it’s also a reminder of the need for vigilance in how we navigate our relationship with technology as a whole. Saving TikTok may be the immediate priority, but the broader issue—how we hold technology companies accountable while protecting our privacy and freedoms—must remain at the forefront of the conversation.

Aron Solomon

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