Cardi B recently tried to bypass the U.S. TikTok ban, which came into effect on January 19, by using a Hawaiian VPN. However, her attempt to keep using the platform fell short. Social media erupted in a mix of disbelief and amusement as Cardi’s choice of VPN raised more eyebrows than it answered questions.
The TikTok ban, instated after Chinese ownership of the platform failed to meet a sale mandate by President Joe Biden’s administration, left many users, including celebrities like Cardi B, scrambling to find ways to continue their access. Cardi B’s choice of Hawaii, a U.S. state, for her VPN raised questions, especially when many pointed out that using a VPN from a location outside of the U.S. could have worked better.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to react, mocking the rapper for her choice. One user wrote, “The way she could’ve chosen any country for a VPN but she chose the state of Hawaii 💀,” highlighting how her strategy was off the mark. Another user added sarcastically, “Wisdom has been chasing her, but she was always light years ahead.”
Meanwhile, others took a jab at Cardi’s response to criticism of the ban. Following an earlier comment on X by user @1lex, who said that rappers like Cardi B, who depend on TikTok for promotion, would need to find alternative jobs, the rapper clapped back with confidence. “Babe, I’m getting a $7 million offer to do my own vitamins. I can retire you from your flipping burger job by tomorrow. Thank me though; I’ve been helping you get your $8.99 Twitter check,” she said.
6 hours ago, Cardi B attempted to bypass the TikTok U.S. ban by using a Hawaiian VPN. pic.twitter.com/NKz4PE2M5s
— Drop Pop (@DropPopNet) January 19, 2025
Her response didn’t help ease the tension, as fans continued to criticize her attempt to bypass the ban, questioning the legitimacy of her methods and the tone of her comments.
The TikTok situation continues to unfold, and many are waiting to see how artists like Cardi B adapt to the new social media restrictions. But for now, Cardi B’s move with Hawaii VPN seems to have left more questions than answers.
