Internet disagrees as Mark Levin slams politicians who support TikTok after Donald Trump backs social media platform
WASHINGTON, DC: Mark Levin outspokenly criticized politicians endorsing TikTok, accusing them of being swayed by the affluent to bolster the Chinese-owned social media platform.
The Fox News host's fervent remarks followed former President Donald Trump's surprising turnaround regarding TikTok, sparking intense debate over the platform's geopolitical implications.
Donald Trump's flip-flopping stance on TikTok
Trump, in an interview on Fox News' MediaBuzz with Howard Kurtz, defended TikTok, claiming that banning it would inadvertently benefit "worse" social media giants like Facebook, whom he accused of electoral misconduct.
In a recent Truth Social post, he asserted, "If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!"
This marked a significant departure from the ex-POTUS' previous stance, where he advocated for banning TikTok due to national security concerns stemming from its Chinese ownership.
In 2020, when he still held office, Trump said, "As far as TikTok is concerned, we’re banning them from the United States. I have that authority. … It’s going to be signed tomorrow," as per Mediaite.
Moreover, during his interview with Kurtz, the White House hopeful denied that he called to ban the app while he was president.
Mark Levin Levin's blunt critique of TikTok and suspicions surrounding Donald Trump's recent stance
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Levin expressed his frustration, writing, "Stop the bulls**t about Tik Tok. It’s a massive Communist Chinese operation spying on us and gathering data on us."
He exclaimed, "The fact that certain Americans have gotten filthy rich from working with them and hire lobbyists and buy off politicians and activists is no reason for we, the people, to put up with this c**p."
While Levin primarily targeted opponents of anti-TikTok legislation, including figures like Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, his criticism extended to Trump even though he is one of his fervent supporters.
Stop the bullshit about Tik Tok. It’s a massive Communist Chinese operation spying on us and gathering data on us. The fact that certain Americans have gotten filthy rich from working with them and hire lobbyists and buy off politicians and activists is no reason for we, the…
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) March 18, 2024
Trump's recent endorsement of TikTok, especially after meeting with Jeff Yass, who owns a 15 percent stake in the social media platform's parent company, ByteDance, has raised suspicions.
On top of that, the hedge fund billionaire has been a major GOP donor in the current election cycle and might end up as the Treasury Secretary if Trump manages to win the 2024 presidential election.
Despite the POTUS denying having discussions regarding TikTok with Yass, former Trump campaign manager Steve Bannon hinted at a connection between his shift on TikTok and Yass' influence.
Bannon reportedly shared an Axios article on social media titled, "Inside Trump’s TikTok flip-flop," and captioned it, "Simple: Yass Coin."
Internet reacts to Mark Levin slamming politicians endorsing TikTok
One wrote, "I can’t agree with you on this one, this bill is dangerous," and another said, "Sorry Mark I usually agree with you, but banning Tik Tok is a slippery slope. The collection of data is no worse than all the rest of the platforms."
A person inquired, "Show me one single shred of evidence this is happening. I will wait. Is this like the WMD's in Iraq, or more like the 51 Intel people saying the laptop is Russian disinformation?"
"You saying this while using your Apple phone made in China that has multiple back door functions, send on servers made in China - Like Tic Tok is the only way China can spy on us , so the solution - sell it to the American GOV so they can spy on us , that’s the plan," expressed someone else.
An individual pointed out, "This is not the right bill. You stop. It could lead to other social media platforms being banned based on one person’s interpretation of foreign influence. It’s a disastrous bill!"
"How about people just uninstall TikTok? Stop making the government more parental. No more censorship," noted one more.
Sorry Mark I usually agree with you, but banning Tik Tok is a slippery slope. The collection of data is no worse than all the rest of the platforms.
— Stable (@carlotucci9074) March 18, 2024
Show me one single shred of evidence this is happening. I will wait. Is this like the WMD's in Iraq, or more like the 51 Intel people saying the laptop is Russian disinformation?
— Ryan (@Ryan_nv_us) March 18, 2024
You saying this while using your Apple phone made in China that has multiple back door functions , send on servers made in China - Like Tic Tok is the only way China can spy on us , so the solution - sell it to the American GOV so they can spy on us , that’s the plan …
— Vinnie Koltes (@VinnieKoltes) March 18, 2024
This is not the right bill. You stop. It could lead to other social media platforms being banned based on one person’s interpretation of foreign influence. It’s a disastrous bill!
— Steven Hasty (@StevenHasty1) March 18, 2024
How about people just uninstall TikTok? Stop making the government more parental. No more censorship. 😉
— d0u6 (@d0u6s) March 18, 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.
