Internet weighs in as Mehdi Hassan warns of potential MAGA control over TikTok with Mnuchin's purchase
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the fast-paced realm of social media and tech acquisitions, recent developments surrounding the potential purchase of TikTok by former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have sparked significant concern and debate.
Mehdi Hassan, a prominent commentator and political analyst, recently shared his apprehensions regarding the implications of such a move, particularly in the context of political influence and messaging platforms.
Mehdi Hassan sounds alarm over potential MAGA control of TikTok and Twitter
Hassan issued a cautionary statement following a video clip of Steve Mnuchin discussing his plans to acquire TikTok. Mnuchin emphasized the importance of selling TikTok to American companies, citing national security worries and the necessity for US oversight of the platform's technology.
However, Hassan voiced his concerns about the potential consequences if both TikTok and Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, were to fall into the hands of MAGA (Make America Great Again) and their allies.
"To be clear, if Mnuchin gets TikTok, and Musk has Twitter, that’s two of the most influential messaging platforms on the planet in the hands of MAGA and their allies, in an election year, and with both purchases done on a Democratic White House and Senate’s watch," Hassan wrote, highlighting the significance of the situation.
To be clear, if Mnuchin gets TikTok, and Musk has Twitter, that’s two of the most influential messaging platforms on the planet in the hands of MAGA and their allies, in an election year, and with both purchases done on a Democratic White House and Senate’s watch 🤦🏽♂️ https://t.co/TabKQrK4gk
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) March 14, 2024
Mnuchin pushes for US ownership of TikTok amid concerns over Chinese control
In the clip, Mnuchin highlighted his previous efforts to advocate for the sale of TikTok during his time as Treasury Secretary. He emphasized the importance of TikTok being owned by American companies, echoing worries about Chinese ownership of vital technology platforms.
"I understand the technology. It's a great business, and I'm going to put together a group to buy TikTok because this should be owned by US businesses. There's no way that the Chinese would ever let a US company own something like this in China," said Mnuchin.
He continued, "And the issue is all about the technology. This needs to be controlled by US businesses."
Concerns mount over potential MAGA control of TikTok amid online backlash
However, the prospect of TikTok falling under the control of individuals aligned with MAGA has sparked widespread concern among internet users.
A user concisely summarized this perspective, likening the perceived approach of Democrats to a "pencil" when contrasted with MAGA's metaphorical "rocket launcher" in political confrontations.
One user's comment stated, "Democrats bring a pencil to a gun fight. MAGA brings a rocket launcher." [sic]
Democrats bring a pencil to a gun fight. MAGA brings a rocket launcher.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) March 14, 2024
Another added, "They may have the money and the platforms, but we have the people. And we will find a way. We always find a way."
They may have the money and the platforms, but we have the people.
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) March 14, 2024
And we will find a way.
We always find a way.
One user replied, "it's called cheating." [sic]
Another user commented, "You mean three social media networks in the hands of Putin - Tik Tok - Truth Social - X Why can’t Google or Apple (or even a good start up) come out with an even better social media option that normal human beings can use?" [sic]
You mean three social media networks in the hands of Putin
— Dr. B (@Ablationist) March 14, 2024
- Tik Tok
- Truth Social
- X
Why can’t Google or Apple (or even a good start up) come out with an even better social media option that normal human beings can use?
One user said, "Cry more...you guys will still have Facebook, Instagram, Google, Colleges, and most of the MSM."
Cry more...you guys will still have Facebook, Instagram, Google, Colleges, and most of the MSM 😂
— Digital_Sass (@ToMuchSassForX) March 14, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.