Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raises the alarm over Donald Trump's involvement in TikTok's restoration hours before his second inauguration.

According to Daily Mail, the New York congresswoman warned her followers through Instagram stories that Trump's intervention in the TikTok ban signals the beginning of "21st-century fascism" and authoritarian control over social media platforms.

The controversy erupted after TikTok went dark for American users on Saturday evening following the Supreme Court's decision to allow a nationwide ban. The popular video-sharing platform initially displayed a message to users explaining the shutdown, but shortly after, announced its imminent restoration while crediting Trump for providing "necessary clarity and assurance" to service providers.

Trump Administration Takes Control Over Social Media Landscape

The social media platform's sudden shutdown and equally rapid restoration sparked intense debate about the extent of Trump's influence even before taking office.

TikTok's public acknowledgment of Trump's role in preventing service disruption raised questions about private collaborations between the incoming administration and major tech platforms. The company's statement specifically thanked Trump for providing assurance against penalties for keeping the platform accessible to its 170 million American users.

AOC responded to these developments through multiple Instagram story posts, expressing deep concern about the implications of TikTok's messaging. The congresswoman emphasized that Trump, still technically a private citizen until his inauguration, should not have the authority to make such interventions. She viewed this as a deliberate choice by TikTok to align with the incoming administration.

The timing of these events, occurring just hours before Trump's inauguration, intensified the political significance of the situation. Critics argue that this demonstrates an unprecedented level of corporate compliance with political figures before they officially assume power.

Congressional Evidence Reveals Questionable National Security Claims

AOC specifically addressed her March 2024 vote against the TikTok ban, revealing details about the congressional briefing process.

She highlighted the lack of compelling evidence presented to Congress regarding TikTok's alleged national security threats. In her Instagram posts, she stated:

I can tell you that what was presented to all of the members voting on this thing was not very compelling. There was no real information that was given that was a smoking gun, that was anything specific... it was very vague, not convincing and frankly it was not convincing to many other members as well.

The congresswoman advocated for a more comprehensive approach to data privacy regulation rather than targeting individual platforms. She suggested that addressing broader privacy concerns across all social media platforms would be more effective than the current selective approach.

Representative Draws Parallels With Hungarian Media Control

AOC drew connections between the current situation and media control tactics used in Hungary under Viktor Orbán's leadership. She urged her followers to study Hungary's media landscape as a potential preview of Republican governance strategies in the United States.

The comparison highlighted concerns about systematic control over media platforms and communication channels.

The congresswoman's warnings extended beyond immediate social media concerns to broader implications for democratic institutions. She characterized the current moment as an experimental phase in American politics, suggesting that while platforms remain accessible, their independence may be compromised.

Political analysts note that these developments occur against the backdrop of AOC's own political future as speculation grows about her potential presidential run in 2028. Her vocal opposition to Trump's influence over social media platforms positions her as a leading voice in the democratic resistance.

Critical Turning Point in American Democracy

The intersection of social media regulation, political power, and corporate compliance marks a significant moment in American democratic governance.

The rapid sequence of events surrounding TikTok's ban and restoration exemplifies the complex relationship between technology companies and political figures. This development raises crucial questions about the independence of social media platforms and their role in democratic discourse.

The timing of these events, coinciding with Trump's return to the presidency, creates a complex narrative about the future of digital communication in America. While TikTok remains accessible to its millions of users, the circumstances of its restoration have sparked a broader debate about corporate autonomy and political influence in the digital age.