The White House has launched its official TikTok account, marking a significant shift in the platform’s relationship with the US government. The account’s first post, a 27-second clip featuring President Donald Trump, garnered around 4,500 followers within an hour of its upload. The caption read, “America we are BACK! What’s up TikTok?” This move comes as Trump continues to permit the Chinese-owned platform to operate in the United States, despite a law requiring its sale or ban on national security grounds.
Trump’s stance on TikTok has undergone a notable transformation. Initially, he signed an executive order to ban the app due to concerns over data security and potential Chinese government influence. However, after realizing the platform’s impact on his 2024 presidential campaign, particularly among young voters, Trump reversed his position and vowed to defend TikTok. The president has extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a nationwide ban in the US. This extension is set to expire in mid-September.
Trump’s personal TikTok account boasts an impressive 110.1 million followers, although his last post was on November 5, 2024, Election Day. In contrast, the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) has 2.4 million followers, while the Instagram account has 9.3 million followers. Trump’s fondness for TikTok is evident, and his administration believes the platform played a crucial role in his election campaign. The White House press secretary stated that Trump’s message dominated TikTok during the presidential campaign, and they’re excited to build upon those successes.
The launch of the White House’s TikTok account raises questions about the platform’s future in the US. Critics argue that TikTok’s algorithm could be used to influence public opinion, while the company maintains that user data is secure. As the deadline for ByteDance to sell its US business approaches, the fate of TikTok in the country remains uncertain. Trump has claimed that a “very wealthy” group is poised to buy the platform, but no official announcement has been made.
The White House’s presence on TikTok marks a new chapter for the platform in the US. With almost two billion global users, TikTok has become a significant player in the social media landscape. As the platform continues to navigate the complexities of its relationship with the US government, one thing is clear: TikTok is here to stay, at least for now. The question remains whether ByteDance will find a suitable buyer or if the platform will face a nationwide ban in the US.
