The TikTok Shutdown Feels Like A Stunt

What do you think?

In this special, mid-day newsletter, I wanted to take a minute to talk about the TikTok shutdown stunt the American public witnesses last night. In the days leading up to January 18th, TikTok did everything it could in the legal system to remain online.

The Supreme Court rejected TikTok’s appeal, setting into motion the January 19th ban date. But, over the past 36 hours, the Biden Administration released multiple statements, both through the White House and the Department of Justice, urging the public that there is no reason for TikTok to shutdown on the 19th because the Biden Administration would not enforce the penalties outlined in the TikTok ban bill.

TikTok followed up by stating that the Biden Administration’s assurances were insufficient. To me, it seemed as though TikTok wanted to force President Biden’s hand to sign the 90-day extension himself. He refused. And, as a result, TikTok shuttered its doors, leaving more than 170 million Americans, including millions of small businesses in the dark.

Interestingly, users received a message on their app notifying them that TikTok is thankful that President Trump has agreed to work with them to find a solution for the future of the app. When I saw that message, I instantly felt as though this entire situation was a stunt to give Donald Trump a win. Yes, Donald Trump will sign a 90-day extension on Monday. Yes, TikTok will be back online in a matter of hours. No, Americans should not forget the events of the past 24 hours.

In any event, I am going back to TikTok because I will continue providing accurate news updates there, but I also wanted to tell you that I will be doing so eyes wide open. But, that’s not all that the past 24 hours have taught me.

That’s why I am excited to be building this community with you all here on Substack. As an independent journalist, Substack affords me complete editorial control and is not controlled by billionaires or associated with the incoming Administration. This platform is neutral, exactly the way journalism should be. If you want to support my work, please consider subscribing by clicking the link below:

For those of you who are new to my newsletter, here’s what you should expect. Every morning you will get a text-based newsletter, like this one, outlining my thoughts about the news and short snippets of big stories you may have missed. In the evening, you will get a video post breaking down all the news in under 10 minutes. Stay tuned for that. This midday newsletter is special given the timing and all the craziness over the past day.

Here are your snippets from today:

• Donald Trump has confirmed that he will “save TikTok” and sign the 90-day extension upon taking office. He is now asking companies to get TikTok back online before the inauguration.

• The ceasefire in Gaza has begun and is holding. Hamas has handed over the first set of hostages to Israel.

• The United Kingdom will not be banning TikTok, per a new statement from the Finance Minister.

• The hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has begun implementation. Three female hostages will be released to Israel by end of day.

• Donald Trump will sign nearly 100 executive orders on his first day in office, likely more than any recent President.

• President Biden has granted clemency to five individuals, including Virginia House Speaker Don Scott.

There will be much more news coverage over the next four years, so get ready.

If you enjoy this content, let me know, and please consider becoming a paid subscriber today to support my independent journalism:

Thank you for everything,

Aaron