A Reprieve for TikTok
President Donald Trump wasted no time getting down to business on day one of his presidency. Among the bold moves was a decision to throw a lifeline to the popular app, TikTok. Enforcement of a law that threatened to ban TikTok unless its Chinese owners, ByteDance, sold it, has been delayed by Trump. Why? It’s all about giving his Administration a chance to figure out the right way forward, safeguarding both TikTok fans and national security.
For now, TikTok stays. Its life in the U.S. was paused over a weekend but was soon revived thanks to Trump extending the deadline before the ban kicks in. He expressed that the ban only gets enforced if an agreement for protecting national security isn’t reached. And, interestingly enough, Trump even hinted that the U.S. should own a 50% stake in TikTok.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
In addition to saving TikTok, Trump’s inaugural decision-making spree has also given birth to a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The role of this department? It hasn’t been entirely spelled out yet, but its name suggests it’ll focus on making government systems more effective and streamlined.
Social Media and Energy Crisis
In a bold move addressing social media, Trump has passed an order to counter ‘censorship’ on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. There are fears of silenced voices on these platforms and this move aims to remedy that.
Trump declared an energy emergency as well, with the intention of expediting projects and bypassing certain environmental regulations. This has raised concerns among some about the potential impact on the environment.
Revamping AI Policies
Trump has also stomped on a previous Biden order regarding artificial intelligence. Again, while details of the reversal were scarce, it is clear Trump’s administration sees AI differently than the his predecessor.
What Does This All Mean?
Everything in Washington is constantly changing. It can be tough to keep up with the ins and outs of politics. But hopefully, this overview gives you a good idea of the key actions that kicked off Trump’s presidency.
With all these decisions on day one alone, it’s clear Trump plans to shake things up. From the TikTok drama, the creation of DOGE, to discussions about social media censorship, energy emergencies, and artificial intelligence, it’s clear there’s a change afoot. All we can do now is watch, wait, and see how these changes influence our everyday lives.
As a 15 year old, or anyone interested in the digital world, this could actually have more impact on your life than you might initially think. The TikTok saga? A drama that hits home if you’re one of the millions of teens who spend hours on the platform. So, stay tuned. These policies and orders have the potential to influence the way you hang out online, consume news, and power your lives. Going forward, understanding these shifts will help you navigate the ever-evolving digital terrain.
Each day will reveal a little more about how Trump’s decisions are shaping our digital landscape, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, breaking it down into simple, digestible news. Stay informed and stay smart in this digital age with us.