Sen. Hawley: ‘TikTok is a Backdoor for Chinese Spying

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley appeared on “The Ingraham Angle” to discuss the growing concerns surrounding the popular social media platform TikTok and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Senator Hawley echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stating, “TikTok is a national security threat. It’s a backdoor for the Chinese Communist Party into every phone in America that has TikTok loaded onto it.”

Hawley emphasized the extent of the data being collected by TikTok, including location tracking, keystroke monitoring, and access to emails and contacts. He expressed his firm stance against Chinese ownership of American assets, including social media platforms. “I don’t want the Chinese communists owning our farmland, our factories, or our social media,” Hawley stated.

The discussion also touched on the threats and manipulation tactics faced by TikTok users, highlighting a voicemail received by Senator Tillis as an example. Hawley pointed out, “It shows you the lengths that TikTok is willing to go to try and weaponize their own users and exploit them.”

The senator urged for immediate action, suggesting that TikTok should be banned in the United States if it is not sold. “If China won’t sell it, then we need to ban it,” he asserted. Hawley also raised concerns about the potential influence of Chinese money on the Senate, emphasizing the need for American control over its media and social platforms.

As the House has already passed legislation to force ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell off the app, the focus now shifts to the Senate’s response. Senator Hawley’s comments underscore the urgency and importance of addressing the national security implications of TikTok’s operations in the United States.