House Republican leaders are forging ahead with plans to vote on legislation that would compel the Chinese owners of TikTok to divest or risk being banned in the United States. This move comes despite former President Donald J. Trump’s recent reversal on the issue, where he now opposes targeting the popular social media app he once vowed to ban.
Representative Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana and the majority leader, announced on Monday that the House would expedite the bill’s passage using special procedures reserved for noncontroversial legislation. The bill, which aims to prevent the Chinese government from using TikTok for data collection and propaganda against American users, has gained momentum on Capitol Hill during an election year where both parties are eager to demonstrate toughness on China.
The 13-page bill, a product of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has garnered bipartisan support in the House. The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently voted unanimously to advance the legislation, which would remove TikTok from app stores in the U.S. by Sept. 30 unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake.
Despite Mr. Trump’s previous executive order targeting TikTok, he is now vocal in his opposition to the bill. In a recent interview, Mr. Trump expressed concerns about alienating young voters and empowering Facebook, which he considers an adversary. His stance has put House Republicans in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between supporting Trump or standing up to China.
The bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Senator Lindsey Graham expressing conflicted views on the ban. Both parties see political advantages in addressing the risks posed by TikTok’s Chinese ownership. However, Mr. Trump’s influence on the issue has caused some division within the Republican Party.
As the debate over TikTok continues, the legislation represents one of several efforts to address national security concerns related to the app’s ties to Beijing. With President Biden signaling his support for the bill, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain amidst the shifting political landscape.
