TikTok Ban, Donald Trump and What's Next: Ryan Abramson’s Perspective

August 2025 Update: Short Form Video continues to dominate search and socials.

Earlier this year, yes, Ryan Abramson was swept into the TikTok trend. Since starting, I’ve produced more than 50 short-form videos, experimenting with everything from storytelling to quick-hit thought leadership. What began as curiosity has evolved into a meaningful way to connect with audiences in Bucks County, Philadelphia, and beyond.

TikTok’s uncertain future makes this journey even more fascinating—and concerning.

TikTok’s Explosive Rise

TikTok has surged to more than 150 million U.S. users, doubling average daily usage time from 27 to nearly 60 minutes in just a few years. This unmatched engagement has made TikTok a cultural force, blending entertainment, creativity, and authentic community interaction.

Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have grown in response, but none rival TikTok’s algorithmic precision in surfacing niche content. My own experience, which I’ve detailed in The Social Pulse, proves how powerful this discovery engine can be for creators and small businesses.

The Political Crossfire

TikTok’s Chinese ownership through ByteDance has fueled national security debates. Lawmakers argue that data collection could create risks if accessed by the Chinese government. The Trump administration issued executive orders in 2020 to force divestiture, but those stalled in court. The Biden administration and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) have since taken the lead on scrutiny.

Most recently, the RESTRICT Act has gained traction in Congress, empowering federal agencies to ban or restrict foreign-owned technologies deemed security risks. While it doesn’t name TikTok, the bill is widely considered a direct response to the app’s influence.

TikTok’s Pushback

TikTok counters these claims with Project Texas, a plan to store U.S. user data on Oracle-managed servers to prevent foreign access. The company has also leaned into public relations campaigns and partnerships to highlight its economic impact on small businesses and creators.

Still, bipartisan skepticism remains high, with critics warning that TikTok’s reach makes it uniquely positioned to shape public opinion.

The Creator Economy and Ryan Abramson’s Take

What often gets lost in the policy debates is the human side of TikTok—the millions of creators who rely on the platform for brand-building and storytelling. A ban would devastate small businesses and content strategists who thrive in its ecosystem.

Through my consulting at Oakridge Leaders, I’ve helped professionals and organizations diversify their content strategies. TikTok is undeniably powerful, but as I’ve shared in recent issues of The Social Pulse, no brand should ever be platform-dependent. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even LinkedIn native video are becoming viable homes for repurposed TikTok content.

What Comes Next?

Whether TikTok survives or not, the conversation has already shifted the social landscape. A potential ban would:

• Force creators to pivot content into multiple platforms.

• Challenge small businesses reliant on TikTok’s algorithm for discovery.

• Escalate U.S.–China tech tensions.

• Raise lasting questions about free speech in the digital age.

For now, TikTok continues to grow even under scrutiny, embedding itself deeper into U.S. culture. For creators like me, the lesson is clear: diversify, innovate, and prepare for volatility.

Ryan Abramson’s Final Word (for now)

At first, TikTok felt like uncharted waters—a quirky challenge of finding a unique username and sharing glimpses of Philadelphia’s vibrant energy and the pulse of Bucks County. But soon I realized the real power: connection.

Whether TikTok remains accessible or fades into history, its impact on communication and storytelling is undeniable. We still have publishing sites like Medium and Vocal.Media. As I continue creating, consulting, and documenting digital trends, my focus remains on authentic communication, strategic growth, and empowering communities—values I share through Ryan Abramson’s blog.

TikTok may be under fire, but the future of storytelling is alive and well.