In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has joined TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform he once sought to ban. Trump’s first post on the app was a launch video on Saturday night on his verified account, @realDonaldTrump, showing him waving to fans at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight in Newark, New Jersey. In the video, UFC CEO and Trump ally Dana White introduces Trump, who responds, “It’s my honor,” with Kid Rock’s song “American Bad A–” playing in the background.
This development has generated significant Trump news today as it marks a strategic effort to connect with younger voters who frequent TikTok, as Trump gears up for a potential rematch against President Biden in the 2024 elections. MAGA Inc., the main super PAC supporting Trump, joined TikTok a few weeks earlier, reflecting the platform’s importance in their campaign strategy. TikTok boasts roughly 170 million users in the U.S., making it a crucial battleground for voter engagement.
Interestingly, TikTok appears to be a favorable space for Trump. Reports indicate that there are about twice as many pro-Trump posts compared to pro-Biden posts. President Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign joined TikTok in February, recognizing the platform’s reach and influence. In April, Biden signed a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app within a year or face a potential ban in the U.S.
Trump’s history with TikTok is complex. In 2020, during his presidency, Trump attempted a TikTok ban in the U.S. market over national security concerns. However, his executive order was blocked in federal court. This year, Trump has shifted his stance, opposing Biden’s potential TikTok ban, signaling a notable change in his approach to the platform.
Some of Trump’s former advisers, including Kellyanne Conway and David Urban, have been advocating for TikTok on Capitol Hill. Despite this, many Republicans continue to criticize the app and urge its Chinese-based parent company to divest.
Trump’s presence on TikTok represents a significant shift in his campaign strategy. By engaging with the younger demographic on TikTok, Trump’s approach to the 2024 elections appears to be adapting to the evolving social media landscape, indicating a pragmatic move to harness the platform’s extensive reach and influence.
