On Sunday, the White House once again voiced its support for a bill that has sparked debate. This bill aims to sever the connection between China and the widely used app TikTok by compelling TikTok’s Chinese parent company to sell the app or risk a ban in the United States.
John Kirby, the White House’s national security communications adviser, spoke on ABC News’ “This Week,” acknowledging the concerns shared by numerous American TikTok users. Kirby emphasized, “This is not about wanting to ban TikTok. We recognize the significant role it plays in the economic lives of many.”
The administration’s goal, according to Kirby, is not to ban TikTok but to separate it from its China-based parent company, ByteDance. ByteDance strongly opposes this legislation and argues that the concerns over data usage are baseless.
Kirby highlighted the administration’s concerns about data security. He pointed out the potential risks associated with ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party accessing information from American users of TikTok.
Additionally, Kirby commented on Israel’s announcement of military plans to invade Rafah, located in the southern part of Gaza, amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas following a terror attack in October. Kirby stated that the U.S. would not support such an operation unless the safety and security of the 1.5 million refugees in Rafah could be guaranteed.
Kirby also mentioned the U.S.’s efforts to encourage Israel to minimize civilian casualties and to facilitate the entry of more aid trucks. He stressed the importance of working towards a temporary ceasefire to ensure the safe release of hostages.
In response to questions about President Joe Biden’s comments on a potential Rafah invasion being a “red line,” which he later seemed to reconsider, Kirby chose not to speculate on future actions but reiterated Biden’s concern for civilian safety.
Kirby shared updates on the U.S.’s emergency mission to build a floating pier off Gaza’s coast to improve the delivery of humanitarian aid. He noted that the first parts of the pier were dispatched from Norfolk, Virginia, last week and estimated that it would take six to eight weeks to become operational.
Regarding the completion of the mission without U.S. military presence in Gaza, Kirby did not provide a direct answer.
Lastly, Kirby discussed the White House’s efforts to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. He mentioned that despite delays in Congress due to debates over immigration policy, there is optimism for the passage of the funding bill with Democratic support. Kirby emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in the Donbass region.