Trump once again targets TikTok with new executive order

United States (US) President Donald Trump once again targeted ByteDance with a new executive order ordering it to sell the US operations of its video-sharing app TikTok within 90 days.

Trump, last week, issued restrictions that TikTok and WeChat will end all operations in the US, his move aimed to counter China’s rising global power.

ByteDance bought karaoke video app Musical.y from a Chinese rival about three years ago in a deal valued at nearly a billion dollars. It later incorporated into TikTok, which turned out to be global popularity.

Trump’s order contends there is “credible evidence” leading him to believe that ByteDance’s take-over of Musical.ly ‘threatens to impair the national security of the United States.’

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“As we’ve said previously, TikTok is loved by 100 million Americans because it is a home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection,” ByteDance said in response.

“We’re committed to continuing to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform for many years to come.”

The order set to take effect in 90 days retroactively prohibits the acquisition and bars ByteDance from having any interest in Musical.ly.

Trump ordered that any sale of an interest in Musical.ly in the US had to be signed off on by the Committee on Foreign Investment, which is to be given access to ByteDance books. It also ordered that any saved user data be destroyed.

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