Former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy recently addressed two pressing issues: the perceived threat posed by TikTok and allegations of West Point “going woke.”
According to Murphy, TikTok, a popular social media platform, has been flagged by U.S. intelligence officials as a potential national security risk.
In response, House China Select Committee Chair Mike Gallagher and ranking member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi discussed the possibility of a forced sale of TikTok before the 2024 presidential election.
They appeared together on CBS’ “Face the Nation” following the passage of a bill aimed at compelling TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, to divest from the app within 165 days to prevent it from being available on U.S. app stores. Bytedance’s ties to the Chinese government have raised concerns about the security of user data.
Gallagher emphasized the urgency of promptly addressing the TikTok issue, stating that a forced sale could occur before the November elections. He stressed that delaying action only heightens the risk associated with the app, making immediate intervention imperative.
In addition to the TikTok discussion, Murphy addressed allegations of West Point “going woke.” This phrase, often used to criticize institutions perceived as prioritizing progressive or politically correct ideologies, suggests that West Point, the prestigious United States Military Academy, is succumbing to such influences.
These comments from Murphy underscore the ongoing debates surrounding national security threats posed by foreign-owned platforms like TikTok and the ideological shifts occurring within esteemed institutions like West Point.
As discussions continue, policymakers and stakeholders must navigate these complex issues while balancing security concerns with free speech and academic freedom considerations.
