01/20/2025
TikTok, the US Government, Trump, and Elon: What Is Happening to Our Country?
At its core, the uproar surrounding TikTok isn’t really about national security; it’s about control, power, and, unsurprisingly, money. The US government is grappling with the fact that they’re not getting their “piece of the pie.” They want their cut of the massive profits that come with a platform like TikTok; whether it’s through regulatory control, influence over business operations, or, of course, taxes.
The irony here is palpable. In a capitalist society, we celebrate innovation and economic success, yet when a foreign company achieves massive success on US soil, it becomes a threat. Is it about protecting citizens, or is it really about protecting the financial and political status quo?
The situation also speaks to the power of influence. Trump, regardless of how polarizing he is, understands this on a fundamental level. His influence has reshaped the Republican Party and remains a force Democrats seem unable to replicate. It’s not about agreeing with him, it’s about recognizing the sheer effectiveness of wielding influence as a tool. If only Democrats could harness this same level of messaging and mobilization but for good, to create real, meaningful change instead of playing catch-up.
It makes you wonder: what could our country become if leaders on all sides truly listened to those of us with fresh perspectives, unclouded by the games of politics? Will things change in the coming years, or are we destined to remain locked in this cycle of power grabs and missed opportunities? Only time will tell.
