Trump’s TikTok Ban and Reinstatement: A Masterclass in Power Politics?
Trump’s Dramatic First Day in Office
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump officially took office for his second term as President of the United States. However, the drama began even before his inauguration, with TikTok being banned nationwide on Saturday night and then reinstated within 12 hours after Trump intervened.
The sequence of events unfolded as a high-stakes political chess match, with Trump positioning himself as both a defender of national security and a savior of the popular app.
Through the lens of game theory, Trump’s actions can be seen as a calculated power move to maximize his influence and public approval, particularly with younger voters.
Setting the Stage: The TikTok Ban
The Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban.
Late Saturday night, the ban came into effect, leaving 170 million U.S. users without access to the app. TikTok’s message to users confirmed its shutdown, attributing it to compliance with the new law. Apps associated with ByteDance, like Lemon8 and CapCut, were also removed from app stores.
This abrupt ban triggered widespread outcry, particularly among content creators and businesses reliant on the platform. Influencers posted emotional messages lamenting the loss of their community and creative outlet. The situation seemed bleak—until Trump stepped in.
Trump’s Reinstatement Move On TikTok
By Sunday morning, Trump announced his intention to issue an executive order delaying the ban, and TikTok began restoring access within hours. Trump framed this as an effort to protect American users and businesses while providing ByteDance more time to negotiate a sale. TikTok’s return came with a notification thanking Trump for “saving” the app, effectively casting him as a hero among its 170 million U.S. users.
This swift resolution raises questions about Trump’s strategic intent. Was this a genuine move to protect user access, or a calculated effort to secure political leverage?
Game Theory Analysis: Strategic Moves + Social Media
Trump’s handling of the TikTok ban and reinstatement can be analyzed using game theory, which examines strategic interactions between decision-makers:
1. Commitment Strategy: Establishing Leverage
- Move: Allowing the ban to take effect created a high-stakes scenario where ByteDance, influencers, and app users had much to lose. This increased the urgency for stakeholders to comply with U.S. demands or negotiate favorable terms.
- Payoff: Trump positioned himself as the key decision-maker, leveraging the ban to force ByteDance and its partners into action.
2. Grim Trigger Strategy: Controlling Outcomes
- Move: By reinstating TikTok just 12 hours after the ban, Trump demonstrated his ability to enforce or delay the law at will. This quick reversal shifted public perception, portraying him as both decisive and benevolent.
- Payoff: He gained favor among younger voters and influencers, presenting himself as the only leader capable of balancing national security and public demand.
3. Bargaining Power: Strengthening Negotiation Leverage
- Move: Trump’s intervention signaled that TikTok’s future in the U.S. hinged on cooperation with his administration. His proposed 50-50 joint venture between ByteDance and an American owner showed his intent to retain control over the app’s operations.
- Payoff: This strategy amplified pressure on ByteDance to accept U.S.-friendly terms or risk permanent exclusion.
Public Reception: Mixed Reactions
Trump’s rapid response earned praise from some users and criticism from others. Supporters lauded his decisive action, while detractors questioned the necessity of the initial ban and the abrupt reinstatement.
Key Takeaways from Public Response:
- Support from Influencers: TikTok creators celebrated the app’s return, expressing gratitude to Trump for “saving” their livelihoods.
- Youth Appeal: The move resonated with younger voters, many of whom rely on TikTok for entertainment, income, and community.
- Political Criticism: Members of Trump’s own party criticized the delay, arguing it undermined the bipartisan support for banning foreign-controlled apps.
Implications of the TikTok Saga
For National Security:
Trump’s actions highlight the tension between protecting national security and maintaining access to global technology. While the ban was justified as a defense against data privacy risks, its rapid reversal raises questions about the seriousness of these concerns.
For U.S.-China Relations:
The reinstatement may temporarily ease tensions, but the underlying issue of ByteDance’s ownership remains unresolved. Trump’s proposed joint venture signals a willingness to compromise, but the long-term solution depends on ByteDance’s willingness to negotiate.
For Political Strategy:
Trump’s handling of TikTok demonstrates his ability to use polarizing decisions to consolidate power and secure public support. By framing himself as both enforcer and savior, he reinforced his image as a leader willing to take bold actions for the “good of the people.”
Conclusion: A Calculated Power Move
Trump’s first day back in office set the tone for his second term, showcasing his knack for dramatic political maneuvers. The TikTok ban and its swift reinstatement serve as a case study in strategic decision-making, with Trump using game theory principles to maximize leverage and public approval. While the long-term fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, Trump has already scored a political win by positioning himself as the central figure in this high-stakes saga.
As TikTok users and ByteDance await further developments, one thing is clear: Trump’s actions demonstrate the power of calculated moves in the complex game of politics.
References
- TikTok is back online after Trump pledged to restore it. (2025, enero). CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/19/tech/tiktok-ban/index.html
- Brams, S. J., & Davis, M. D. (2024, 21 diciembre). Game theory | Definition, Facts, & Examples. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/game-theory
- ChatGPT. (n.d.). OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/#
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