Los Angeles, January 28, 2026
California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated an investigation into TikTok regarding allegations that the platform suppressed videos critical of President Trump. Users have reported decreased visibility for their posts, particularly those opposing the president. TikTok attributes these issues to a power outage at a U.S. data center. As the investigation unfolds, it may impact TikTok’s operations in California, amid broader discussions about social media censorship and content moderation practices.
Los Angeles, California — California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into TikTok in response to allegations that the platform suppressed content critical of President Donald Trump. This investigation is triggered by reports from users claiming diminished visibility for videos that oppose the president, including those condemning actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota and the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents. Various reports indicate affected users experienced frustrations such as seeing their posts reach zero views or experiencing significant drops in engagement.
TikTok has responded to the allegations by attributing the content visibility issues to a computer power outage at a U.S. data center, which resulted in what the company described as a “cascading systems failure.” The platform emphasized that its technical team is working diligently to resolve these issues, which have resulted in users facing challenges like slower loading times and unresponsive posts.
In light of generalized reports that Governor Newsom’s office has independently confirmed instances of content suppression, he has called on the California Department of Justice to investigate whether TikTok’s practices violate state law. The outcomes of this inquiry may have additional implications for the platform’s operations in California, impacting the larger conversations around social media censorship and fairness in content moderation.
This investigation coincides with a significant shift for TikTok, as its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has established a majority U.S.-owned joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. This entity is designed to oversee U.S. user data and operations, addressing pervasive concerns about privacy and national security while potentially fostering innovation and growth in the U.S. tech landscape.
The relationship between TikTok and the Trump administration has been complex: previously, the president has credited the platform for helping his 2024 election campaign, with Trump claiming 16 million followers on his personal TikTok account. This political backdrop adds a layer of intrigue to the investigation, highlighting ongoing tensions between state politics and social media’s role in shaping public discourse.
Both TikTok and the California Department of Justice are expected to provide updates on the situation as the investigation unfolds, leaving many to speculate about the ramifications these developments might have on content creation and digital entrepreneurship within the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main issue in this article?
The investigation centers around allegations that TikTok suppressed content critical of President Trump.
What is TikTok’s response to the allegations?
TikTok claims that the content visibility issues were caused by a power outage at one of its U.S. data centers.
What is the status of the investigation?
Governor Newsom has requested the California Department of Justice to assess whether TikTok’s practices violate state law.
What is the background of TikTok’s ownership changes?
ByteDance established a new majority U.S.-owned joint venture to manage TikTok’s U.S. operations and user data, aiming to address privacy concerns.
How has President Trump been associated with TikTok?
President Trump has noted that TikTok has contributed positively to his 2024 election campaign, highlighting the platform’s influence in political arenas.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Allegation | Suppression of content critical of President Trump on TikTok |
| Investigation | Governor Newsom has called for a review by the California Department of Justice |
| TikTok’s Response | Attribution of issues to a power outage at a U.S. data center |
| Ownership Change | Establishment of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, majority-owned by American and global investors |
| Presidential Association | President Trump credited TikTok with aiding his 2024 election campaign |
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Governor Newsom Launches Investigation into TikTok’s Practices
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
