Nightly Scroll with Hayley – Episode 20: Can Trump Make TikTok Great Again?

Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Hayley Caronia
Guest: Reid Raisner, Wyoming Billionaire

Introduction: The TikTok Ban and Trump's Response ([00:00] – [04:08])

Hayley Caronia kicks off the episode by addressing the significant screen time TikTok has generated, humorously mentioning her own near 24-hour screen usage on March 12th, before acknowledging it was likely a glitch. She delves into the concerns surrounding TikTok, emphasizing national security threats linked to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance.

• Hayley: “TikTok is my preferred platform to scroll on, and the future of TikTok hangs in the balance.”

She outlines the legislative actions taken against TikTok, including the January ban and subsequent legal battles, culminating in the Supreme Court upholding the ban. On January 20th, President Trump extended the TikTok ban for another 75 days with the intention of finding an American entity to take majority control of the app's US operations.

• Hayley (01:30): “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

Guest Introduction: Reid Raisner's Involvement ([04:08] – [07:24])

Hayley introduces Reid Raisner, a prominent Wyoming billionaire, as a key figure in the efforts to save TikTok. Raisner discusses the complexities of the negotiations, emphasizing the need for additional time to navigate regulatory hurdles and ByteDance's resistance to selling.

• Reid Raisner (03:30): “The 75 days buys us some extra time. So we're glad to have it and we certainly need it.”

Hayley questions why Raisner, given his wealth, is investing in TikTok's future. Raisner responds by highlighting the American-first movement and the platform's value to over 170 million American users, including content creators and small businesses.

• Reid Raisner (04:08): “Americans built this app. Americans deserve this app. This is a great thing for all of the Americans out there.”

Preserving Free Speech and Supporting Creators ([05:27] – [10:32])

Hayley and Raisner discuss the misconceptions surrounding TikTok, addressing concerns about perceived left-wing dominance and Chinese censorship. Raisner emphasizes the platform's role in enabling small businesses and creators to thrive, asserting the importance of protecting First Amendment rights for all users.

• Reid Raisner (05:27): “Protecting their First Amendment right is very important to me. Making sure that they have a place where they can grow their business...”

The conversation shifts to the technical aspects of transitioning TikTok's ownership. Raisner assures minimal disruption to user experience, the integrity of the algorithm, and enhanced data security through partnerships with American quantum computing companies.

• Reid Raisner (07:59): “We're going to protect free speech, we're going to protect the data, and we're working with quantum computing companies across America to ensure that your data is safe.”

Potential Outcomes and Challenges ([10:32] – [16:04])

Hayley probes the possibility of TikTok shutting down in the US if ByteDance refuses to divest. Raisner acknowledges this as a real possibility but expresses confidence in their backup plans to maintain an American-owned platform.

• Reid Raisner (10:44): “If they say no, we're not going to divest, then TikTok goes away if they're unwilling to negotiate.”

The discussion continues on user experience changes under new ownership. Raisner highlights plans to enhance monetization opportunities for creators by profit-sharing data usage, ensuring users benefit directly from their contributions.

• Reid Raisner (12:32): “We're going to profit share back to you, the individual. So you may as well make money off of it.”

Hayley raises concerns about algorithm transparency and user trust. Raisner reiterates the commitment to a clean break from Chinese control, ensuring the algorithm remains a unique and protected asset.

• Reid Raisner (12:32): “The algorithm has to come over with a clean break from China to the US and we can get this done.”

Violence and Immigration Issues ([17:18] – [26:03])

Transitioning from TikTok, Hayley shares somber news about violent incidents involving illegal immigrants. She recounts the tragic hit-and-run of Nate Baker, a 21-year-old USC student, by an undocumented driver. The discussion extends to other violent acts, including the assault on pro-life activist Savannah Craven by a pro-abortion supporter, highlighting the broader concerns about illegal immigration and public safety.

• Hayley: “These should not be happening at all. We shouldn't be losing American lives to this. It's all avoidable.”

Hayley expresses frustration with how migrants are handled, criticizing taxpayer-funded sanctuary policies and emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragedies.

Economic Updates and Conservative Triumphs ([26:03] – [31:17])

Shifting focus to economic news, Hayley celebrates the latest job numbers which surpassed expert expectations. She attributes this success to the America-first policies implemented by the Trump administration, contrasting them with the perceived failures of the Biden administration.

• Hayley: “The economy's not tanking. We're seeing promises made, promises kept.”

She commends the administration’s efforts in revitalizing American manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and fostering job growth across various sectors, including construction and retail.

Scrolling Time: TikTok Trends and Community Interaction ([31:17] – [39:10])

Hayley engages with TikTok trends, showcasing viral videos such as the "Trump Dance" and humorous user-submitted clips. She addresses community interactions, including humorous takes on political figures like Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, while fostering a sense of camaraderie among listeners.

• Hayley: “Maybe we can make it like a Friday thing. Yeah, just on Fridays. Cause then I can be a little liquored up to blind react to your videos.”

Blind Reactions and Viewer Content ([39:10] – [41:16])

The episode features Hayley’s blind reactions to viewer-submitted videos, including commendations of delivery drivers and heartfelt messages from supporters. These segments aim to build a community feel and highlight positive interactions.

• Hayley: “Nice jump, dude. He took the package with him. He didn't even drop the package. That is 10 out of 10 for this delivery driver.”

She also addresses the personal nature of viewers' comments, balancing humor with genuine appreciation for her audience.

Q&A Session: Engaging with the Community ([41:16] – [39:49])

Hayley answers questions sourced from her Instagram story, covering topics ranging from nostalgic childhood trends to handling differing political viewpoints within families. She shares personal anecdotes about losing friends over political differences but emphasizes the importance of maintaining respectful relationships despite ideological disparities.

• Hayley: “We just agree to disagree. There's plenty of things to talk about other than politics. I don't have to agree with people on everything.”

She discusses her favorite home-cooked meal—chicken parmesan—and her longing for authentic Italian cuisine, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in different regions.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Farewell ([41:16] – [End])

Hayley wraps up the episode by addressing conspiracy theories related to drone sightings, expressing skepticism towards government explanations. She encourages continued vigilance and critical thinking among her listeners.

• Hayley: “I don't buy it. I don't know. And like, to this person's point, where did they all go? Don't know.”

Ending on a light note, she thanks her audience for tuning in, invites them to join future shows, and hints at more engaging content in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Hayley Caronia ([00:00]): “TikTok is my preferred platform to scroll on, and the future of TikTok hangs in the balance.”

• Reid Raisner ([04:08]): “Americans built this app. Americans deserve this app.”

• Reid Raisner ([12:32]): “We're going to profit share back to you, the individual. So you may as well make money off of it.”

• Hayley Caronia ([26:03]): “The economy's not tanking. We're seeing promises made, promises kept.”

• Hayley Caronia ([41:16]): “We just agree to disagree. There's plenty of things to talk about other than politics.”

Key Takeaways:

• TikTok Ownership: Efforts led by Reid Raisner aim to transition TikTok’s US operations to American ownership, ensuring data security and preserving free speech.

• National Security and Immigration: The episode highlights serious concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on public safety, urging stricter enforcement and policy measures.

• Economic Growth: Positive job numbers reflect the success of America-first policies, contrasting favorably against previous administration’s economic stance.

• Community Engagement: Interactive segments and blind reactions foster a strong connection with the audience, encouraging participation and community building.

• Balancing Act: Hayley emphasizes the importance of respecting differing political views within personal relationships, advocating for respectful discourse over ideological conflict.

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