Choosing vanity over national security

America’s pitiful struggle to rid itself of a Chinese propaganda op was predictable in every way—save one.

This time, Congress did its job. It did so boldly, with huge bipartisan majorities, despite the real risk of a backlash from constituents …

But it almost certainly won’t matter. Every other major player in this saga is reluctant to follow suit, predictably.

…

The new president has also evolved predictably on TikTok.

Trump was ahead of Congress in perceiving the threat when he moved to ban the app by executive order during his first term. But you know him: Flattery—and money—will get you everywhere. He’s very excited about how popular he’s become on the platform, declaring that China’s spy app now occupies a “warm spot in [his] heart” and posting data about his huge following there earlier this month under the question, “Why would I want to get rid of TikTok?” Forced to choose between national security and his own vanity, it’s no contest. 

And if that weren’t reason enough for him to reconsider his position, making rich friends with financial interests in TikTok probably would be.

Nick Catoggio, The TikTok Rout