Donald Trump is claiming responsibility for keeping TikTok operational in the U.S., yet many online users are skeptical. They accuse the 47th President of the United States and the popular social media platform of executing a publicity stunt aimed at boosting his image.

Here’s the situation: During his victory rally on Sunday, Trump made a surprise appearance on stage. This event was one of the many celebrations held in honor of his election win, taking place just ahead of the official inauguration scheduled for Monday.

In his speech, Trump emphasized TikTok’s significance, asserting that he utilized the app to secure his victory in the 2024 presidential election. He claimed TikTok played a crucial role in connecting with younger voters, particularly in the 18-29 age demographic, where he outperformed even Kamala Harris among young men.

Trump argued that his administration had a moral obligation to protect TikTok to preserve countless jobs, suggesting that this was the rationale behind his push for joint ownership of the company with ByteDance, the app’s parent company.

Trump elaborated that any deal regarding TikTok’s future would require federal approval, which would not be granted without a joint ownership agreement. He emphasized that this proposal was essentially non-negotiable for the app’s continued operation in the U.S.

While Donald Trump and some supporters are praising his efforts as a rescue mission for TikTok, a significant number of individuals are dismissing the entire situation as a mere PR move aimed at enhancing his public image.

Examine some of the reactions online; the prevailing sentiment is that the TikTok ban was short-lived and many are pointing to Trump’s close relationship with Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, who is expected to attend the inauguration as further evidence of a deeper connection.

Additionally, many critics recall that Trump initially advocated for a ban on TikTok back in 2020, only to now take a completely opposite stance, raising questions about his motives and the sincerity of his recent actions.

As you might be aware, TikTok temporarily went offline, but following Trump’s promise to extend the ban moratorium with an executive order, the app resumed operations. American users can currently upload videos and engage with the platform once again.