Former President Donald Trump has recently joined the TikTok platform as part of his 2024 campaign efforts. This move is particularly notable given that during his presidency, Trump attempted to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns. However, he is now leveraging TikTok's vast user base to quickly amass followers and engage with younger voters.
Rapidly Gaining Followers
Trump's debut on TikTok featured a video from a UFC fight in Newark, New Jersey, which garnered over a million followers within hours. This demonstrates his determination to use every available tool to communicate directly with the American public. His campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated that this move signifies their intent to leave "no front undefended," continuing their outreach to younger audiences consuming pro-Trump and anti-Biden content.
Contradictory Stance
Trump previously attempted to ban TikTok in 2020, citing its Chinese ownership as a potential national security threat. He signed an executive order to ban the app, but it was eventually blocked by U.S. courts. Despite his earlier position, Trump is now actively using TikTok to spread his campaign message, sparking discussions about the shift in his stance. Some view this as a display of his adaptability, while others criticize the contradiction between his past and current actions.
TikTok Ban Legislation
During Trump's attempt to ban TikTok, several key pieces of legislation were proposed. In August 2020, Trump signed an executive order requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations within 90 days or face a ban. The order cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act (NEA), arguing that TikTok posed a threat to U.S. national security. This action faced legal challenges from ByteDance and was ultimately blocked by U.S. courts.
Political Context and Current Status
TikTok continues to be a contentious issue in U.S. politics. President Joe Biden has also considered measures against the app due to similar security concerns. In 2023, Biden signed a new bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 2024, or face a comprehensive ban. This legislation has led to new legal challenges, with TikTok and ByteDance actively contesting the law.
Despite these controversies, TikTok remains a powerful campaign tool. Both Trump and Biden are using the platform to engage with voters, especially younger demographics.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's joining of TikTok and his rapid accumulation of followers illustrate his new strategy for the 2024 election. Despite his previous attempts to ban the platform, he is now utilizing it to enhance his campaign influence. This move underscores TikTok's significance in U.S. politics and highlights Trump's ability to adapt to campaign challenges. Moving forward, TikTok's role in political campaigns is likely to expand, becoming a crucial platform for candidates to interact with voters.