Trump discusses TikTok, NATO defense costs, US-Hamas talks
3 Min Read
US President Donald Trump addressed several key issues on Thursday, weighing in on national security, NATO's financial obligations, and recent US discussions with Hamas.
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President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (AP)
US President Donald Trump addressed several key issues on Thursday, weighing in on national security, NATO's financial obligations, and recent US discussions with Hamas.
Possible extension for TikTok deadline
Trump indicated that he is inclined to extend the deadline for TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, allowing it to continue operating in the United States for now. The app has long been at the center of national security debates, with critics claiming that its Chinese ownership poses data privacy risks and potential security threats.
While previous discussions have included forced divestment or an outright ban, Trump's comments suggest that such measures may not be immediately enforced. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to address US government concerns regarding data access and alleged influence from the Chinese government.
NATO allies face renewed pressure on defense spending
Reiterating a position he had held since his first term, Trump criticized NATO members for what he perceived as insufficient defense spending.
He noted that if NATO countries don't pay enough for their own defense, the United States will not defend them, stressing that allies must meet their financial commitments. He further described some member states as "delinquent" in their contributions, making clear that US support would not be guaranteed for those who fail to meet their obligations.
His remarks come at a time when current NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has been urging European members to boost defense budgets, with discussions in Europe about raising spending targets beyond 2% of GDP in response to Russia’s continued military threats.
Read more: Trump heightens NATO's mistrust over intelligence-sharing: Politico
US-Hamas talks on captives confirmed
Trump confirmed that a senior US official recently held direct discussions with Hamas regarding efforts to secure the release of captives in Gaza. He stated that the effort is aimed at helping "Israel" and that the United States would not pay for the release of captives.
Earlier today, Hazem Qassem, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, stated that Trump's threats complicate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue violating its obligations.
Trump reportedly told Hamas that he would authorize fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza unless the group released the remaining Israeli captives. The ultimatum came during direct discussions in Doha between his envoy for captive matters, Adam Boehler, and Hamas leaders in an attempt to achieve a fresh Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
"'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you," Trump wrote on his social media platform.
Read more: Trump threatens Gazans with 'death' if captives not released
