House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his lack of confidence in ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, after the app was temporarily shut down in the US over the weekend. This action coincided with a deadline for a potential ban on TikTok, which President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he plans to delay upon taking office. The ban is contingent on TikTok divesting from Chinese ownership within a specified timeframe.
Johnson highlighted that TikTok had been given 270 days to comply with the divestment requirement, emphasizing the precision of the law in this matter. He mentioned on NBC's 'Meet the Press' that any extension of the deadline would necessitate a concrete deal being in progress.
Trump's suggestion of a potential government partial ownership of TikTok was met with interest by Johnson, who noted the President's inclination towards deal-making. Johnson stressed the importance of ensuring that any agreement to keep TikTok operational in the US prioritizes the safety of American users and safeguards against data exploitation by foreign entities.
Regarding the issue of pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 riots, Johnson refrained from taking a definitive stance on whether rioters who attacked police officers should be pardoned. He echoed Trump's sentiment that each case should be evaluated individually, citing concerns about the public's diminishing trust in the justice system.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Trump and his team are preparing a series of pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the violent insurrection on January 6. The proposed pardons are expected to be issued on Trump's first day in office, according to sources familiar with the plan.
