Trump Downplays China Spying Concerns, Says TikTok Will ‘Stay Around

Donald Trump dismisses fears over China’s alleged spying via TikTok, assuring that the popular social media app is here to stay despite national security concerns.

US President Donald Trump has minimized the perceived risk of the Chinese government using the social media app TikTok to spy on its users.

He mentions that the app will “remain available” and points out that other products manufactured in China could just as easily be utilized for espionage.

Additionally, on Wednesday, Trump directed 1,500 ground troops to the southern border with aircraft support as part of an initiative targeting “illegal aliens.”

According to a senior military official, the troops will not participate in “law enforcement” activities. Initially, they will be deployed to construct physical barriers and engage in other “border missions.”

In the meantime, all refugee travel to the United States is being halted due to a separate order—one of several issued by Trump during his first few days in office.

Previously, Trump encouraged Russia’s Vladimir Putin to negotiate a resolution for the “ridiculous” war in Ukraine or face additional tariffs and sanctions.

Rubio talks to Netanyahu

Earlier, Marco Rubio, the newly sworn-in Secretary of State, had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to a call summary, Rubio, the leading US diplomat, stressed American support for Israel.

He reportedly commended Netanyahu on Israel’s achievements against Hamas and Hezbollah.

As previously reported, approximately 1,500 US military personnel have been instructed to deploy to the US-Mexico border.

Here are some additional details we obtained from a background briefing focused on military and defense.

Several hundred troops are anticipated to arrive shortly, where they will be involved in tasks like setting up physical barriers and other border-related missions. According to Trump officials, they will not be assigned any law enforcement duties.

“This is only the beginning,” said a senior defense official who requested anonymity.

A different military official mentioned that troops have not been requested to accommodate immigrants at military bases yet, although Trump aides have suggested this might happen in the future.

Officials also mentioned that the troops intend to offer aerial support to border patrol, including airlifts, and are planning to deploy intelligence analysts to the border as well.