Former President Donald Trump has made a surprising entrance onto the popular video-sharing app TikTok, a platform he once attempted to ban during his time in the White House. Just two days after becoming the first former president in U.S. history to be found guilty on felony charges, Trump posted a video from a UFC fight where he received a hero’s welcome from fans. Trump expressed his excitement in the TikTok video, garnering over 1.1 million followers, 1 million likes, and 24 million views in a short amount of time.
Trump’s team sees TikTok as a valuable platform to connect with a younger audience, especially amidst the current political landscape. Despite previous concerns about TikTok’s security risks and potential ban in the U.S., Trump and his campaign have embraced the app for its outreach potential. The decision to join TikTok highlights Trump’s efforts to engage with a diverse range of voters, including younger demographics and minorities.
As the political scene continues to evolve, both Trump and President Joe Biden are utilizing social media platforms like TikTok to reach voters in an increasingly fragmented media environment. Trump’s presence on TikTok serves as a strategic move to connect with supporters and maintain a strong online presence ahead of the 2024 presidential election.