U.S. Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban Amid National Security Concerns

The recent TikTok ban in the United States, prompted by national security concerns, has reignited discussions surrounding Donald Trump's past advocacy for the platform's prohibition. Following a Supreme Court ruling that requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations, the app went offline on January 19, 2025, frustrating millions of users. The TikTok shutdown was humorously addressed during a Saturday Night Live cold open, where James Austin Johnson portrayed Trump, who whimsically praised the platform despite its ban, claiming it helped him get elected. This comedic segment highlighted the media's obsession with Trump's antics, as anchors struggled to maintain focus amidst his erratic statements. Meanwhile, TikTok's cultural impact and the ongoing debate over data privacy remain significant issues in the wake of the ban. Critics, including beauty mogul James Charles, have voiced their frustration, linking the shutdown to Trump's political maneuvering.