Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump unloaded on Facebook in a recent interview, slamming the social media giant as “extremely dishonest” and a bigger threat than TikTok. Trump, in an appearance on Fox News’s MediaBuzz, argued that if TikTok were to be banned, its users would turn to Facebook, making the latter a bigger concern.
Trump calls Facebook ‘worse’ than TikTok as Senate weighs bill that could ban app https://t.co/DvPiMQnqD9
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 18, 2024
Trump downplayed his previous defense of TikTok, emphasizing that it was not a demand but merely a consideration of the free speech implications and potential complications of banning the app. He also expressed his belief that Facebook warrants the same treatment as TikTok.
The ex-president’s critique of the two apps comes amid discussions in the Senate about a House-passed bill that would mandate the sale of TikTok from its China-based owner, ByteDance, or face a ban in the United States. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not finalized a decision on bringing the bill to a vote.
Trump dismissed suggestions that his shift in stance on TikTok was influenced by a meeting with billionaire Jeff Yass, who holds a significant stake in the social media platform. He asserted that he was unaware of Yass’s ties to TikTok when he reconsidered his position.
The former president’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate surrounding social media regulation and the differing perspectives on the potential risks posed by various platforms. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Trump’s outspoken comments are sure to fuel further discussion on the issue.
