Key Takeaways

• Senator Josh Hawley went silent after Trump announced a new TikTok deal.
• Hawley had loudly called TikTok a security threat for years.
• The deal keeps TikTok U.S. online in exchange for vague security steps.
• Oracle and its co-founder Larry Ellison could benefit from the deal.
• Hawley’s silence exposes a political double standard.

Everyone knows Senator Josh Hawley. He often speaks first and loudest on big tech issues. However, when President Trump struck a TikTok deal with China, Hawley suddenly stopped talking. His silence shocked many who expected him to rant on cable news or flood Twitter.

What is the TikTok Deal

First, it helps to know what this TikTok deal really is. Last Friday, President Trump said he and President Xi made progress on a plan. The U.S. will not ban TikTok or force its sale if China makes certain security promises. These promises sound like routine business safeguards. Yet they avoid the total ban Hawley has demanded.

Moreover, the deal would spin off a new TikTok U.S. company. Oracle will own a stake in it. Oracle will also handle cloud computing and other tech services. In effect, Oracle becomes TikTok’s trusted guardian. This role could boost Oracle’s growth and benefit Larry Ellison, its billionaire co-founder.

Hawley’s Loud Warnings on TikTok

Senator Hawley has slammed TikTok for years. He claimed it threatens American security on multiple occasions. For example, in 2021 he warned that every TikTok view gives user data to Beijing. In 2022 he called the app a spy tool for the Chinese Party. Later, he said TikTok is “digital fentanyl” for kids and harms their minds. He even accused Democrats of “kneeling before Chairman Xi” for not banning the app.

He wrote letters, gave fiery speeches, and pushed two laws to bar TikTok from government devices. He kept talking about this issue well before the new TikTok deal. Indeed, Hawley won praise from those who worry about China’s influence. Yet suddenly, no tweets mentioned the deal. No press statements came from his office.

Silence Speaks Volumes

Hawley’s silence speaks louder than his past rants. It shows how politics can shape a politician’s voice. When President Biden led a TikTok fight, Hawley roared. He demanded votes, investigations, and even impeachment threats. Now, the same issue barely gets a peep out of him.

This quick change suggests that Hawley’s criticism is tied to party loyalty. He attacks TikTok when it helps Democrats. He stays quiet when it suits the GOP. Therefore, his outrage may owe more to politics than to public safety.

Why His Silence Feels Strange

For years, Hawley claimed to place national security above all. He said he would not rest until TikTok lost its Chinese ties. He even authored a bill banning TikTok from all U.S. devices. However, when Trump negotiated with Xi to keep the app alive, Hawley vanished from the debate.

Many observers link this silence to Oracle’s role. Oracle gets paid to manage TikTok’s U.S. data and infrastructure. Its co-founder, Larry Ellison, backs Trump financially. Consequently, the TikTok deal would enrich Ellison and Oracle. Critics say this benefit helps explain why the deal moves forward so quietly in Hawley’s Senate.

If President Biden had cut this kind of side deal, Hawley would demand hearings and a vote on impeachment. He would fill airwaves with condemnation. Yet because Trump brokered it, Hawley treats the subject as settled. This double standard leaves many voters feeling misled.

What This Means for the Future

First, the TikTok deal may set a new trend. Big tech could strike similar side deals to ease political pressure. Second, it shows how political loyalties can shape national security debates. Senators might support or block tech deals based on which party leads them. Third, the Oracle partnership highlights the growing power of cloud giants in U.S. tech policy.

Moreover, Americans who worried about a full TikTok ban might now feel relief. They can keep posting videos and chatting with friends. However, they still face questions about data privacy and Chinese influence. Even with Oracle’s oversight, some experts say real independence from Beijing remains unclear.

Therefore, the next step may involve deeper scrutiny of the deal’s security terms. Congress might hold hearings on how Oracle will protect user data. State governments could pass their own bans or rules for TikTok. Users should stay informed and watch for new regulations or policy changes.

Ultimately, Hawley’s silence on the TikTok deal highlights how politics and power shape tech debates in Washington. It also reminds us to look beyond loud speeches and follow where the money and influence flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the TikTok deal require from China?

The deal calls for China to make “national security commitments” to protect U.S. user data. It also allows Oracle to manage TikTok’s cloud services in America.

Why did Senator Hawley stay silent on the agreement?

Hawley often backs Trump’s moves if they benefit GOP allies. Since Oracle gains from the deal and Trump led it, Hawley offered no public objections.

Will TikTok remain available in the United States?

Yes. Under this agreement, TikTok U.S. will stay online. Oracle’s role aims to ensure user data stays in the U.S. under stricter oversight.

What should TikTok users know moving forward?

Users should monitor how TikTok’s data storage and security change. They may also face new rules from Congress or state governments. Stay updated on any policy shifts that affect privacy and content sharing.