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The reason why Donald Trump likes TikTok now

U.S. President Donald Trump talks at a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England
U.S. President Donald Trump talks at a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England (via REUTERS)
  • Donald Trump claimed the Chinese-owned app TikTok was instrumental in his victory in last year's election: “I like TikTok. It helped get me elected.”
  • This statement represents a significant shift from his 2020 position, when he threatened to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns.
  • Trump confirmed ongoing discussions with Chinese president Xi Jinping regarding the sale of TikTok's American operations, delaying a ban until December 16.
  • During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump reiterated his false claim of having won the 2020 election "big".
  • He also denied knowing Lord Peter Mandelson, despite photographic evidence of them together earlier this year.
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