James Charles has drawn significant backlash following his reaction to the recent TikTok ban in the U.S. After the app briefly went offline, Charles shared a series of comments online, including a sarcastic remark about supporting President-elect Donald Trump. His remark quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism online.
Here’s what he said.
James Charles faces backlash for falling for ‘propaganda’
James Charles, a prominent beauty influencer, is facing backlash after his controversial remarks about TikTok’s temporary shutdown in the U.S. The app, used by millions, went dark on Sunday following a federal ban citing national security concerns. However, President-elect Donald Trump intervened, granting TikTok a 90-day reprieve, a move that Charles both mocked and indirectly supported in a social media rant.
Expressing his frustration, Charles sarcastically remarked, “Now I’m rooting for Trump? Ewww… Make America f—ing Great Again, I guess.” The statement, though intended as a joke, drew sharp criticism from followers. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “james charles…publicly posting hes falling for propaganda and influencing his followers to do the same is actually a new low even for him. were…doomed.” He further called the experience “dystopian.” On this, another user wrote on X, “‘This feels so dystopian’ says someone…driving a car probably worth more than my house, complaining on a video being recorded into a next gen phone. You have access to like 187 other types of social media. I get that it sucks but… Come on.”
Charles also shared how TikTok’s shutdown disrupted his routine. He admitted, “Normally, when something happens, I would get on TikTok and start complaining, and I can’t do that. I feel disconnected. I feel cut off from the world and my community.” However, his sarcastic reference to Trump left many questioning his intent, with those who believed that Trump’s decision was intended to influence public opinion or was “propaganda” accusing him of supporting the move.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
