Staff Reports
TikTok, the app that has been raising eyebrows in Congress due to its deep ties with the Chinese Communist Party, is now facing serious heat from the government. Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher is pushing for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a U.S. buyer or face a shutdown in the United States. But in classic underdog fashion, TikTok is pulling out all the stops to fight back against this legislation, using every trick in the book to stay afloat.
Even the big wigs of politics are getting involved in this high-stakes battle. Former President Donald Trump, who was previously critical of TikTok, has unexpectedly come out in support of the app. On his new network, Truth Social, Trump voiced his opposition to Gallagher’s bill, claiming that banning TikTok would only benefit the likes of Facebook and “Zuckerschmuck.” Trump’s about-face on TikTok seems to align with his realization that losing the app’s support could cost him favor with younger voters. It also doesn’t hurt that some of his former staff members have close ties to TikTok, including a lobbyist and a campaign advisor who have been advocating for the app behind the scenes.
TikTok launches full-court lobbying press against House bill that would force sale https://t.co/THlOGCQuPd via @dcexaminer #TikTok
— Patrick Wilson 🇺🇸 (@DUhockeyFan) March 12, 2024
TikTok isn’t just banking on political influence and goodwill; they’re also mobilizing their user base. The app bombarded its users with notifications urging them to contact their representatives and oppose the proposed legislation. And this maneuver seems to have shaken things up in Congress, with aides reporting a flood of calls from TikTok users expressing their support for the app. However, it’s worth noting that Rep. Gallagher has accused TikTok of spreading misinformation about the bill to manipulate its users, painting a grim picture of how the app could be used to deceive the American public.
Of course, where there’s politics, there’s also hefty lobbying efforts. TikTok is sparing no expense, planning to swarm Capitol Hill with its advocates, including content creators and CEO Shou Zi Chew. The app has also been funneling millions of dollars into federal lobbying and has garnered the backing of conservative advocacy groups who oppose Gallagher’s bill, further amplifying TikTok’s fight to stay in the game.
But TikTok isn’t just flexing its political muscles; it’s also launching a charm offensive with extensive advertising campaigns. The app has been plastering ads all over Washington, from the Metro system to publications like the Washington Examiner, touting its safety measures and trying to win over skeptics in Congress. Coupled with its previous advertising blitz in preparation for Chew’s congressional testimony, TikTok is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to sway public opinion and maintain its foothold in the U.S.
With the battle reaching a fever pitch on Capitol Hill, TikTok is pulling out all the stops to combat the looming threat of forced sale or shutdown. The app is leveraging every available tool and resource to make its case, and it’s clear that it won’t go down without a fight. So, buckle up, folks, because the showdown between TikTok and Congress is shaping up to be a political drama for the ages!
