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A disturbing TikTok scandal has erupted within the National Guard, raising concerns of Communist China’s infiltration of the US. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Sen. Josh Hawley have expressed “extreme concern” over a National Guardsman’s participation in a TikTok advertisement that appears as an endorsement from the Chinese-controlled platform. The ad’s perceived de facto endorsement could undermine the National Guard’s ability to mobilize in crisis or conflict. TikTok’s data collection practices and its potential manipulation of American citizens’ perceptions of China has caused growing alarm among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Calls are growing for a categorical ban of the app.

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Sen. Josh Hawley are expressing “extreme concern” over a National Guardsman’s participation in a TikTok advertisement that appears as an endorsement from the Chinese-controlled platform. In a letter to the National Guard Bureau, the lawmakers highlighted how the ad could be viewed as a de facto endorsement of TikTok by the National Guard. There are growing concerns that the app is being used to manipulate Americans’ perceptions of China and potentially undermine National Guard mobilization during a crisis. Both lawmakers are calling on the National Guard Bureau to clarify its policies on the official and unofficial use of TikTok by servicemembers and the American people. 

A video published by TikTok this month features Air National Guard member Jon Lynch expressing support for the app, saying that he uses it to “spread helpful and useful information to benefit military members and their families.” Lynch praises the app for its ability to help him “reach the military community” and give them a greater appreciation for the military lifestyle. 

However, Stefanik and Hawley wrote in a letter and expressed their fears that this endorsement may be interpreted as the National Guard officially endorsing TikTok, a platform owned by the China-based ByteDance technology company. They argue that the app is being used to manipulate Americans’ perceptions of China and to potentially undermine National Guard mobilization during a crisis. Both lawmakers are calling on the National Guard Bureau to clarify its policies on the official and unofficial use of TikTok by servicemembers and the American people.

Stefanik, who serves as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has vowed to continue working to protect the warfighters against malicious exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party. This latest scandal comes as legislators on both sides of the political aisle are becoming increasingly wary of TikTok. The app, which allows users to upload short self-created videos, is widely used and addictive. However, there are growing concerns that TikTok is being used as a propaganda tool by the Chinese government to manipulate American citizens’ perceptions of China.

TikTok has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months, with Australia and other Western nations, including the US, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, cracking down on the app due to national security fears. There are growing concerns that the app is being used to collect data on users, which could pose a threat to the operational security of National Guard operations.

Lawmakers are calling for a categorical ban on TikTok, and there are growing concerns that the app is being used as a tool for foreign governments to manipulate American citizens’ perceptions of their country. Stefanik warns that the app is part of China’s efforts to infiltrate and undermine American institutions, and urges the National Guard to stop using it.

This TikTok scandal has exposed China’s continued attempts to infiltrate and undermine American institutions. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm over the National Guard’s involvement in a TikTok advertisement that appears to endorse the Chinese-controlled platform.  Calls are growing for a categorical ban of the app, and for the National Guard members to stop using it. We must remain vigilant against China’s malicious exploitation of American citizens and institutions. Follow Next News for more breaking news on this developing story and to stay informed on the latest efforts to protect our nation from China’s hostile actions.

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