Newsom launches TikTok censorship probe after Trump, ICE post complaints

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is launching an investigation into whether TikTok is suppressing content critical of President Donald Trump. He raised questions about whether the platform is violating state law.

In a post on X, Newsom wrote, “Following TikTok’s sale to a Trump-aligned business group, our office has received reports — and independently confirmed instances — of suppressed content critical of President Trump.”

Politico reports Newsom’s office tested TikTok’s moderation by sending a direct message containing the name “Epstein,” a reference to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The platform blocked the message and warned it may violate community guidelines.

TikTok deal involving Trump-friendly businesses 

The investigation comes just days after the Trump administration announced a deal requiring TikTok’s Chinese, ByteDance, to divest most of its U.S business or face a nationwide ban.

Under the agreement, ByteDance will retain less than a 20% stake, while an American-led investor group – including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX – takes control. Oracle, whose executive chairman Larry Ellison is a Trump ally, now oversees TikTok’s U.S. data storage and security. 

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