When it comes to the executive branch's role in banning something. I'm not convinced they're even honest about it / what the context even is.

Trump wanted to ban Tiktok before... and then simply chose not to / forgot about it.

Next round congress acted, and Trump delayed it and has said that he is interested in his friends buying it.

Is there really a competitive plan here or is it just fishing for payouts / grifting for allies?

The context is always about competition, but I'm not even sure that's their plan.