## Tick-tock: Senators Give Trump An Ultimatum on TikTok’s Fate
The clock is ticking for TikTok, and the pressure is mounting on former President Trump. A group of senators is making a bold move, urging him to lend his support to a Congressional plan that would extend the deadline for the controversial social media app’s sale.
Senators Urge Trump to Back Congressional Plan for TikTok Sale Extension
Three Democratic senators on Monday urged the White House to seek authority from Congress to extend a deadline for China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok to safeguard the popular video-sharing app from a potential ban. President Donald Trump in January unilaterally extended the sale deadline from January 19 to April 5 by postponing enforcement of a law passed last year that requires ByteDance to sell a majority stake to U.S. owners or face a ban on the app in the United States.
Trump said last month that he could further extend that deadline to give himself time to shepherd a deal. “This non-enforcement of the TikTok ban was not only unlawful but also raised serious questions about TikTok’s future,” wrote Sens. Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Cory Booker, urging the president to back legislation extending the deadline to October. “The path to saving TikTok should run through Capitol Hill,” they said.
A Potential Deal with Oracle
News reports suggest that the White House is considering a potential deal with Oracle under which Oracle would take a stake in TikTok. The Democratic senators want to know if this news report is accurate and if the White House is considering a potential deal with Oracle.
The fate of TikTok’s user data is a major concern, and the White House needs to provide security for TikTok’s user data. “We urge you to stand up for TikTok’s users and use your immense influence over congressional Republicans to demand a long-term solution to the TikTok ban,” the senators wrote.
Trade Tensions and Tariffs
President Trump said that automobile tariffs are coming soon, even as he indicated that not all of his threatened levies would be imposed on April 2. The administration is also slapping 25% secondary tariffs on any country that buys oil or gas from Venezuela.
Trump said earlier this month his administration was in touch with four unidentified groups about a prospective TikTok deal. At the White House, Trump told reporters not all the new tariffs would be announced on April 2, and said he may give “a lot of countries” breaks on tariffs, but provided no details.
Tariffs on Vehicles, Pharmaceuticals, and Semiconductor Chips
A White House official declined to say exactly when sector-specific tariffs on vehicles, pharmaceuticals or semiconductor chips would come into effect, noting that was still “TBD (to be determined) and at the president’s discretion.”
The official cautioned against expecting a tariff reprieve, adding, “The president is determined to implement reciprocal tariffs that are very strong. People should expect that.”
Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported earlier that the administration was narrowing its approach to the broad batch of levies Trump has been saying for weeks would be imposed on April 2 and could delay sector-specific tariffs.
U.S. stocks ended Monday broadly higher on optimism that the tariffs set to be detailed next week may not be as extensive as expected. The S&P 500 index gained nearly 1.8% to close at its highest in more than two weeks.
Investment in the U.S. Economy
Trump said the April 2 tariffs will mark a “Liberation Day” for the U.S. economy. They are aimed at shrinking a $1.2 trillion global goods trade deficit by raising U.S. levies to levels charged by other countries and counteracting their nontariff trade barriers.
Trump said in February he intended to impose auto tariffs “in the neighborhood of 25%” and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, but he later agreed to delay some auto tariffs after the three largest U.S. automakers pushed for a waiver.
Trump’s whirlwind tariff offensive since his January inauguration has been marked by threats, reversals and delays, sometimes within hours of imposition deadlines, as his trade team formulates policy on the fly.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Senators Weigh in on TikTok’s Future
In a recent development, senators have urged former President Donald Trump to reconsider and support a Congressional plan to extend the timeline for TikTok’s sale, as reported by KSL.com. This move highlights the ongoing efforts to address concerns surrounding the social media platform’s national security implications. Key points from the article include the senators’ push for a 30-day extension, the ongoing negotiations between ByteDance and US investors, and the White House’s previous decision to ban TikTok from government devices in 2020. The senators’ urging of Trump to reconsider their plan underscores the complex and contentious nature of this issue, highlighting the tension between national security concerns and the need to protect American businesses.
The significance of this topic lies in its broader implications for US-China relations, data security, and the future of social media. If the Congressional plan is successful, it could lead to a more nuanced and collaborative approach to addressing national security concerns, potentially paving the way for other tech companies to navigate similar issues. Conversely, a failed plan could exacerbate tensions between the US and China, with far-reaching consequences for international trade and diplomacy. As the world grapples with the complexities of social media and data security, this development serves as a timely reminder of the need for careful consideration and collaboration.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, and with it, the future of social media in the US. Will the Congressional plan succeed, or will the White House remain resolute in its stance? One thing is certain: the implications of this decision will be felt far beyond the confines of Washington D.C., influencing the lives of millions of TikTok users and shaping the course of social media for years to come. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for TikTok, and what does the future hold for this beloved social media platform?
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