TikTok’s Fate in the Senate
Gallagher’s remarks come as the fate of TikTok hangs in the Senate. The House recently passed a bill, 352-65, that would force parent company ByteDance to divest TikTok within 165 days or risk the app being banned in the U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
National Security Concerns
Gallagher cited a threat assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which suggests that China may attempt to influence the 2024 elections. Some accounts on TikTok, allegedly operated by a People’s Republic of China propaganda arm, reportedly targeted specific candidates during the 2022 midterm cycle.
Bipartisan Agreement
Raja Krishnamoorthi, the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, echoed Gallagher’s concerns. He highlighted ByteDance’s ownership structure and alleged control by the Chinese Communist Party.
Challenges in the Senate
Gallagher addressed potential challenges in the Senate, including opposition from former President Donald Trump. Trump opposes banning TikTok, believing it would benefit Facebook. Gallagher criticized the lobbying campaign against legislative action, particularly the involvement of former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.
Rep. Gallagher’s stance underscores bipartisan concerns about TikTok’s national security implications and the need for legislative action to address them before the 2024 election.
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