Senators Warn Trump’s TikTok Extension Violates Law

Senator Mark Warner and other lawmakers criticized President Trump's recent extension of the deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. TikTok assets, claiming it violates the law and fails to eliminate Chinese influence over the app. Warner emphasized that the arrangement would allow ByteDance to maintain significant operational control, undermining national security concerns. Senator Ed Markey echoed these sentiments, arguing that the extension forces tech companies into a difficult position and should have been legislated rather than issued via executive order. Additionally, Senator Chris Murphy alleged that Trump aims to facilitate a deal that could turn TikTok into a propaganda tool, while 12 Republican lawmakers stressed the need for compliance with U.S. law and safeguarding American user data. The controversy arises amid widespread fears that TikTok could be manipulated by foreign governments, particularly concerning sensitive political content. Lawmakers are pushing for a resolution that ensures the app's algorithm is removed from Chinese control.