President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of a TikTok ban. It’s the latest twist in what feels like an ongoing soap opera of national security, personal vendettas, and big tech intrigue. While this drama might be entertaining, it raises some serious questions for Americans, especially those who value the Constitution, national security, and the well-being of society.

Legal Whiplash: What’s the Authority Here?

First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Can Trump even do this? Congress passed a law requiring TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold off, Biden signed it, and the Supreme Court upheld it. So where does Trump get the authority to unilaterally delay its enforcement? This move seems to tread dangerously close to an abuse of executive power.

From a constitutional perspective, the president’s duty is to enforce the laws—not rewrite them when they become inconvenient. If Trump believes the law is flawed, the proper channel is to push Congress to amend it. Skirting the Supreme Court’s decision undermines the checks and balances that are supposed to keep our government in line.

It’s worth pointing out that both parties have engaged in selective enforcement of laws when it suits their agenda. The Obama administration delayed parts of the Affordable Care Act and implemented DACA via executive order when Congress wouldn’t act. But just because something is precedent doesn’t make it right. We conservatives are supposed to value law and order. If we abandon that principle when it’s politically expedient, we forfeit our moral high ground.

TikTok: A National Security Threat or a Tool for Vengeance?

The reasons behind this executive order are murky at best. Trump originally called TikTok a national security threat, citing concerns about its ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its ability to collect vast amounts of data on American users. These concerns are not unfounded. As Nicholas Kristof pointed out, Chinese law mandates cooperation with state security. If Beijing wants TikTok data, ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) has little choice but to comply.

But now, Trump seems to be singing a different tune. His suggestion that the U.S. government should take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok’s U.S. operations sounds more like a business negotiation than a national security strategy. Let’s be real: no one wants the federal government running social media platforms. Can you imagine the implications of a state-owned app that’s already known for addictive algorithms? It’s a recipe for Orwellian nightmares.

Then there’s the issue of personal motives. Trump’s alleged beef with Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook adds another layer of complexity. If revenge against “Zuckerschmuck” is a motivating factor, it clouds the legitimacy of this decision. National security should never take a backseat to personal grievances or political strategy.

TikTok’s Harm to Society: More Than Just Data

Beyond the national security angle, we need to have an honest conversation about TikTok’s impact on American society. Auguste Meyrat from The Federalist hit the nail on the head: TikTok isn’t just harvesting data; it’s harvesting minds. The app’s algorithm is a digital drug, exploiting human psychology to keep users endlessly scrolling.

This isn’t harmless entertainment. It’s reshaping how people think, interact, and live. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and decreased attention spans. The irony is thick: while we worry about TikTok being a tool of the CCP, it’s already doing their job for them by weakening the moral and intellectual fiber of our nation.

As Christians, we are called to guard our hearts and minds, as Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Allowing an app like TikTok to infiltrate our lives unchecked is comparable to leaving the gates of our spiritual and mental well-being wide open to enemy forces. Even without the CCP’s involvement, Auguste Meyrat aptly argues that TikTok’s harmful effects on individuals and society—diminished attention spans, increased anxiety, and emotional stunting—might justify regulation or even a ban.

While I fully agree that TikTok’s effects are detrimental, I hesitate to endorse regulation or prohibition as the solution. People have the right to make their own choices, even if those choices are harmful to them. It’s the government’s role to inform and warn its citizens of the risks, much like it does with tobacco products. By empowering individuals with knowledge rather than imposing restrictions, we uphold both freedom and responsibility—principles central to our faith and to a free society.

A Slippery Slope: The Balance Between Freedom and Security

Therefore, we must tread carefully when it comes to banning apps or limiting access to information. Daniel Shuchman from Reason rightly points out that Americans have the right to receive information, even from suspicious sources. As conservatives, we champion freedom—not just for ourselves, but for everyone. It’s what sets us apart from authoritarian regimes like China.

The challenge is finding the right balance. Protecting national security is essential, but we must do so without eroding the freedoms that make America exceptional. This is a delicate line to walk, and heavy-handed executive orders aren’t the way to do it.

Conclusion: A Call for Integrity and Wisdom

This TikTok saga highlights the need for integrity and wisdom in leadership. National security, constitutional governance, and the moral fabric of society are all at stake. Trump’s decision to delay the ban raises legitimate concerns about executive overreach, personal motives, and the true priorities behind his actions.

As independent Christian conservatives, we must hold all leaders accountable—regardless of party. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Let’s pray for leaders who govern with righteousness and seek God’s wisdom in all things.

TikTok may be a symptom of a deeper cultural and spiritual sickness, but how we respond to it will speak volumes about who we are as a nation. Let’s ensure that response is grounded in truth, justice, and the principles that have made America a beacon of hope in a troubled world.