President-elect Donald J. Trump has it right on how to deal with China. Trump has been talking tough on tariffs to stop China from taking advantage of American consumers while at the same time, he’s working to lift the TikTok ban. The President-elect has Americans’ best interest in mind when talking tough on tariffs while saving an app, TikTok, used by well over 150 million Americans in a way that is magnificent.
President Trump was the toughest President we have ever had on China, and we can expect much more in a new term in office. CNN reported on January 8, 2025, “President-elect Donald Trump is considering declaring a national economic emergency to provide legal justification for a large swath of universal tariffs on allies and adversaries, four sources familiar with the matter told CNN, as Trump seeks to reset the global balance of trade in his second term.” Trump’s push for high tariffs on China imports makes sense to leverage a better deal for consumers.
With regard to the TikTok ban, Trump understands that all companies with a tie to China are not the same – some are national security problems, and some not. As the Supreme Court prepares to consider TikTok’s future, the potential consequences of a ban extend beyond free speech to the economic well-being of millions of Americans. A decision to remove the app would silence conservative voices and disrupt the livelihoods of small businesses that rely on it. President-elect Trump has a unique opportunity to broker a solution that addresses national security concerns while protecting American values such as free speech and economic opportunity.
For conservatives, this debate is about more than just a social media app and being tough on China —it’s about defending the First Amendment. The government should not have the power to silence Americans or shut down platforms where they express opinions, engage in public discourse, or debate ideas. TikTok has become an essential space for many, particularly younger generations, to discuss politics and culture. Banning it would threaten one of America’s core principles—the right to free expression.
TikTok has become an economic powerhouse for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Conservatives champion free markets, and TikTok is a key tool for many small businesses. It offers an affordable platform for businesses, from local startups to grassroots creators, to market their products and reach customers. Many small business owners, particularly those operating on tight margins, rely on TikTok as their primary marketing tool. A ban would hurt these businesses, undermining their ability to compete and thrive in the digital marketplace.
TikTok also plays a critical role in political engagement, especially for conservatives, and key to Trump’s electoral victory. In an era when mainstream media often marginalizes or misrepresents conservative views, TikTok has become a vital space for political discourse. Whether expressing support for candidates, sharing viewpoints, or criticizing the political establishment, millions use TikTok to participate in the national conversation. A ban would silence this important outlet, stifling a vital aspect of democratic engagement.
As the Court weighs its decision, President Trump’s leadership is needed now more than ever. With his experience and political acumen, he has the skills to negotiate a solution that balances national security with the protection of American freedoms. Rather than an outright ban, Trump could broker a compromise that ensures the security of American data while allowing TikTok to continue serving users and businesses. A balanced framework could address legitimate concerns without curbing the freedoms that Americans value.
Conservatives must act now to protect free speech, economic opportunity, and political expression. Trump, with his understanding of both American ideals and the digital economy, is well-positioned to lead. By finding a way to preserve TikTok, he can ensure that America’s digital public square remains open, competitive, and free from unnecessary government intervention.
Saving TikTok is not just about keeping an app alive—it’s about protecting the fundamental values that make America great. President Trump has the opportunity to defend free speech, entrepreneurship, and the free exchange of ideas, ensuring that these values endure in the face of rising global challenges. It’s time for him to step in and protect the future of American freedom and prosperity.
There also is a worry that candidate Donald Trump did so well on TikTok, that the Biden Administration is intent on abolishing the app. Trump posed on Truth Social “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?” and cited numbers that show @teamtrump @realdonaldtrump getting far more views than @kamalaharris. That might be a politically discriminatory reason for Democrats to push a ban.
Not all companies with ties to China are the same and President-elect Trump has mapped out a brilliant strategic position on tariffs and TikTok to get the best deal for American citizens.
Judson Phillips is the founder of Tea Party Nation, one of the largest tea-party groups in the country.
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