Tesla CEO Elon Musk supported US President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to avoid banning the Chinese social media app, TikTok. Musk expressed his belief that banning TikTok would contradict freedom of speech. However, he pointed out an imbalance in the situation, noting that while TikTok is allowed to operate in the US, Musk’s own platform, X, is banned in China.
Musk shared his views in a post on X, stating, “I have been against a TikTok ban for a long time, because it goes against freedom of speech. That said, the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced. Something needs to change.”
Musk’s Stand on TikTok’s Ban
Back in April, Musk had voiced opposition to the potential TikTok ban, even though such a ban could have benefited his platform, X. He explained, “In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.”
Trump’s Conditional Approval of TikTok
Earlier on the same day, President-elect Donald Trump revealed that he had agreed to approve TikTok’s operations in the US, but only under the condition that the USA would own 50 percent of the app. Trump emphasized that this deal would help save American jobs and prevent US business from being handed over to China.
TikTok, in turn, expressed gratitude to Trump for his support, stating that it was in the process of restoring service in the US after access to the app had been cut off to comply with a previous ban order from the Biden administration.
Trump’s Remarks on Saving Jobs and ‘Trump Effect’
Speaking at the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Victory Rally, Trump elaborated on his decision. “We need to save TikTok because we have to save a lot of jobs. We don’t want to give our business to China… I agreed to approve TikTok on the condition that the USA will own 50 percent of TikTok…”
Trump also highlighted the positive impact of his leadership, dubbing it the “Trump Effect.” He said, “Before even taking office, you are seeing results no one expected to see. Everyone is calling it the ‘Trump Effect.’ It’s you. You are the effect.” He added that his administration would work to restore patriotism in schools, eliminate radical left ideologies from the military and government, and fulfill his vision to “Make America Great Again.”