Trump now using TikTok after trying to ban it

Former President Trump has made a surprising move by joining TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform he once sought to ban while in office. This unexpected turn of events has caught the attention of many, especially as Trump gears up for a potential rematch with President Biden in the 2024 election.

Trump’s debut on TikTok included a launch video on his verified account – @realDonaldTrump – where he could be seen waving to fans at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Newark, New Jersey. UFC CEO and Trump’s friend, Dana White, introduced the former president in the video, marking Trump’s official presence on the platform with the iconic song “American Bad A–” by Kid Rock playing in the background.

It seems that Trump’s decision to join TikTok is a strategic move to engage with younger voters who are active users of the app. MAGA Inc., the main super PAC supporting Trump, joined TikTok recently, indicating an effort to tap into the platform’s vast user base of approximately 170 million in the U.S.

Recent reports from sources like the New York Times and Puck have revealed that TikTok is a favorable environment for Trump, with a higher volume of pro-Trump content compared to pro-Biden content. This dynamic contrasts sharply with Biden’s campaign, which also joined TikTok earlier this year, despite the president signing a law in April that could result in the app’s Chinese owner selling it off or facing a potential ban.

Trump’s history with TikTok is complex, as he previously attempted to ban the app in the U.S. citing national security concerns in 2020. However, his executive order was blocked by federal court, leading to a change of heart in 2024 where Trump opposed Biden’s proposed ban on TikTok.

Despite Trump’s pivot towards embracing TikTok, there remains a divide within Republican circles regarding the app’s China-based ownership. Some prominent figures from Trump’s administration, such as former senior adviser Kellyanne Conway and David Urban, have advocated for TikTok on Capitol Hill. Nevertheless, the debate continues, with many Republicans pressuring the app’s parent company to distance itself from Chinese control.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, Trump’s presence on TikTok adds a new dimension to the political landscape, highlighting the evolving strategies and tactics deployed by candidates to reach voters across various platforms.