- Trump launches TikTok account after previously trying to ban platform.
- Account already has 1.7 million followers despite single video post.
- Trump aims to reach younger voters ahead of presidential run.
The unlikely TikToker
In a surprising move, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has launched an account on the short-form video app TikTok, the very platform he once tried to ban.
This unexpected debut marks a stark reversal from his previous stance against the social media giant.
Trump’s TikTok account, which went live on Saturday night, currently features just one post. The video showcases UFC CEO Dana White introducing Trump, followed by the former president uttering, “It’s my honor.”
The remainder comprises footage of Trump mingling with the crowd at a UFC event in Newark, New Jersey. Despite its single video, the account has already amassed a staggering 3.2 million followers and over 57 million views.
Reaching the coveted youth vote
While a political candidate creating a social media account would typically not garner significant attention, Trump’s foray into TikTok highlights the platform’s enduring appeal, even as its future in the United States remains uncertain.
With 170 million US users, TikTok presents a valuable opportunity for Trump to connect with younger, disengaged voters – a demographic he appears to have resonated with.
Trump’s TikTok debut comes after his previous attempts to ban the app while serving as president.
However, in a recent Truth Social post, he blamed President Biden for the potential TikTok ban, stating, “Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok.”
(Biden recently signed a bill that could ban TikTok if its parent company ByteDance fails to sell the app within a year, a move TikTok is currently challenging in court.)
As Trump navigates the ever-evolving social media landscape, his unexpected embrace of TikTok serves as a reminder of the platform’s influence and the lengths politicians will go to reach their desired audiences.
