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Trump Joins TikTok And Calls It ‘An Honor.’ As President He Once Tried To Ban The Video-Sharing App

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Donald Trump has joined the popular video-sharing app TikTok, which he once wanted to prohibit while in the White House, and recorded from a UFC fight two days after becoming the first former president and likely major party nominee in US history to be found guilty of felony charges.

“It’s an honor,” Trump remarked in the TikTok video, which shows him waving to fans and posing for pictures at the Ultimate Fighting Championship match in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night. The video concludes with Trump telling the camera, “That was a good walk-on, right?”.

Trump| AP News Image

Trump Joins TikTok And Calls It ‘An Honor.’ As President He Once Tried To Ban The Video-Sharing App

By Sunday morning, Trump had over 1.1 million followers on the platform, with the post receiving over 1 million likes and 24 million views.

“We will leave no front undefended, and this represents continued outreach to a younger audience consuming pro-Trump and anti-Biden content,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in response to the campaign’s decision to join the site.

“There’s no place better than a UFC event to launch President Trump’s Tik Tok, where he received a hero’s welcome and thousands of fans cheered him on,” he said.

Democratic President Joe Biden signed legislation in April that could ban TikTok in the United States, despite his campaign joining in February and attempting to collaborate with influencers.

Trump was greeted enthusiastically at the event at Newark’s Prudential Center, where the crowd chanted, “We love Trump!” and one person insulted Biden with an expletive.

It was Trump’s first public appearance since a jury in New York found him guilty Thursday on 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election by concealing hush money payments made to a porn performer who said she and Trump had sex. Trump has claimed he did nothing wrong and intends to appeal the ruling. He’ll be sentenced on July 11.

Trump | AP news Image

Trump Joins TikTok And Calls It ‘An Honor.’ As President He Once Tried To Ban The Video-Sharing App

Throughout his campaign, Trump has utilized appearances at UFC fights to present a strong image and to appeal to potential voters who may not be familiar with politics or traditional news sources. It is also part of a larger push to engage young people and minority voters, notably Latino and Black men.

TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, provides another option to contact potential voters. The site has over 170 million users in the United States, the majority of whom are younger—a group that is particularly difficult for marketers to target because they avoid television.

As president, Trump attempted to ban TikTok via executive order, claiming that “the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned” by Chinese corporations posed a national security threat. TikTok filed a lawsuit, and the courts stopped the action.

Both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance may disclose user data, including browsing history, location, and biometric identifiers, to China’s government. TikTok stated that it has never done so and will not if asked.

During the 2024 GOP primary campaign, the platform was a hotly debated topic, with most contenders avoiding it. Many, including former Vice President Mike Pence, have asked for TikTok to be outlawed in the United States owing to its connections with China.

Trump stated earlier this year that he still feels TikTok poses a national security risk, but he is opposed to banning it since it would benefit its competitor, Facebook, which he continues to bash following his 2020 loss to Biden.

“Frankly, a lot of people on TikTok enjoy it. “There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who would go crazy without it,” Trump told CNBC.

The measure approved by Biden gives ByteDance nine months to sell the company, with an additional three months if a transaction is in the works. If not, TikTok will be banned. Biden blocked the app from most government devices in December 2022.

His reelection campaign does, however, utilize the app, which it joined on Super Bowl night in February. Aides say that in an increasingly fragmented modern media environment, the campaign must reach voters across as many channels as possible, including TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Biden’s “bidenhq” account now has over 330,000 followers and 4.5 million likes.

Trump’s participation at Saturday’s fight followed an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” that aired Sunday.

In that appearance, Trump claimed he was “OK” with the thought of possible jail or house detention, saying it was “the way it is.”

Trump | AP News Image

Trump Joins TikTok And Calls It ‘An Honor.’ As President He Once Tried To Ban The Video-Sharing App

However, he warned that the public might not accept such a punishment for a former president seeking reelection.

“I don’t know if the public would tolerate it, you know. I’m not sure the public would accept it,” he replied. “I think it would be difficult for the public to accept. You know, there comes a time when something has to give.”

Trump maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he “did absolutely nothing wrong.”

He was asked how his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, handles the news.

“She is fine.” But it’s quite difficult for her. I mean, she is fine. But, you know, she has to read all this nonsense,” he explained.

She did not accompany Trump to court at any stage during his seven-week trial.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

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Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

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Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

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(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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