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Trump says he wants to ban TikTok app

Aug. 01, 2020 03:33AM EST
 Dan Ackermann

President Trump said Friday that he plans to ban Chinese video app TikTok as soon as Saturday, via either executive order or emergency economic powers, according to White House press pool comments.

Why it matters: TikTok has been caught in the crossfires of the United States' escalating tensions with China.

What he's saying:

"As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States. ... Well, I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or [emergency economic powers]."
Trump to reporters aboard AF1

Earlier on Friday, reports emerged that Microsoft is in talks to potentially acquire TikTok from its parent company, Bytedance (a group of investors has also reportedly made a bid).

  • Yes, but: The president made it clear during his comments that he's not in favor of such a deal that would result in the company having American ownership (a process that would be subject to review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States).

Clinton and Warren speaking the same night at Dem convention

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Trump's swift, sweeping China offensive

President Trump's rhetoric on China has tended to run hotter than his actions — until now.

Why it matters: Even at the height of Trump's trade war, his administration never hit China as hard, as fast, and on as many fronts as it is right now.

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The state of play: The picture, which has since been deleted, drew backlash and charges of hypocrisy from conservative political figures because the university's honor code strictly prohibits students from having "sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage," and recommends they dress with“appropriateness” and “modesty."

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