Senator Joe Manchin is facing questions regarding his stance on the TikTok ban as the issue moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate. While he has co-sponsored an anti-TikTok bill in the Senate, the question remains whether he would support the House bill if it comes to a vote in the Senate.
Manchin expressed his support for removing China's influence from the U.S. mass media market, citing concerns about countries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran restricting American media in their territories. He emphasized the need for reciprocity in media control between nations.
Regarding the impact on younger Americans, including his own grandchildren who are avid TikTok users, Manchin highlighted the potential risks of personal data being collected and misused. He underscored the importance of safeguarding American interests and preventing China from controlling sensitive information through platforms like TikTok.
Manchin also expressed disappointment in the current state of Congress and voiced concerns about the future of the institution. Despite not seeking re-election, he remains committed to addressing critical issues such as national security and data privacy.