Fox News host Mark Levin launched a scathing attack on U.S. leaders supporting TikTok, accusing them of being influenced by the “filthy rich” who are allegedly using their wealth to garner support for the Chinese social media platform.
Levin’s criticism followed former President Donald Trump’s recent reversal on his stance regarding TikTok. Trump, in an interview on Fox’s MediaBuzz with Howard Kurtz, defended his newfound support for TikTok, suggesting that banning the app would benefit other social media companies he disapproved of, like Facebook.
In 2020, Trump had declared his intention to ban TikTok from the United States, citing national security concerns. However, his recent comments suggest a shift in his position, prompting criticism from Levin and others.
Levin shared an article outlining lobbyists’ efforts against a House bill aimed at compelling the Chinese company behind TikTok to divest its stake in the platform or face a ban. He expressed frustration, asserting that TikTok is a “massive Communist Chinese operation” engaged in espionage and data collection.
If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!” Trump wrote last week on his Truth Social platform, explaining his new found support for TikTok after leading the effort to ban the app in 2020.
“As far as TikTok is concerned, we’re banning them from the United States. I have that authority. … It’s going to be signed tomorrow,” Trump said in 2020 regarding the app, despite telling Kurtz he didn’t “demand” the app be banned while he was president.
Although Levin’s criticism primarily targeted opponents of the anti-TikTok legislation in Congress, including several prominent figures in the MAGA movement, it also appeared to take a swipe at Trump, despite Levin’s staunch support for the former president.
Trump’s recent embrace of TikTok has raised eyebrows, particularly after reports of his meeting with hedge fund billionaire Jeff Yass, a significant stakeholder in TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. Speculation arose regarding Yass’s potential influence on Trump’s change of heart regarding TikTok, with some suggesting that Trump’s consideration of Yass for a government position further fueled suspicions.
