The White House launched its official TikTok account on Tuesday as the viral social media app’s future remains up in the air amid a rapidly approaching deadline
The White House officially established its own TikTok presence on Tuesday whilst uncertainty looms over whether the app’s parent company, Bytedance, would secure a U.S. purchaser before the September 17 deadline.
US President Donald Trump has consistently postponed the deadline for the TikTok prohibition after former President Joe Biden enacted legislation stipulating that the popular social media platform would halt operations on January 19. The most recent postponement occurred in June, maintaining the app’s functionality despite cross-party concerns about Chinese control of the firm.
Whilst TikTok’s ultimate destiny remains uncertain, the White House’s decision to establish an account could indicate the platform is set to remain. As of Wednesday, the profile has attracted 101,900 followers and features three posts.
In the inaugural post, Trump can be heard declaring, “Every day, I wake up determined to deliver a better life for the people all across this nation. I am your voice.”
The accompanying caption states, “America, we are BACK! What’s up, TikTok?” Karoline Leavitt informed the Irish Star that the Trump administration was “committed to communicating the historic successes President Trump has delivered to the American people with as many audiences and platforms as possible.”
Leavitt said: “The Trump administration is committed to communicating the historic successes President Trump has delivered to the American people with as many audiences and platforms as possible.
“President Trump’s message dominated TikTok during his presidential campaign, and we’re excited to build upon those successes and communicate in a way no other administration has before.”
This marks the first occasion that the White House has established its own account. Both Presidents Joe Biden and Trump created their own profiles during the 2024 Presidential election, which attracted considerable criticism as both leaders had previously expressed reservations about the platform.
Whilst TikTok doesn’t function in China, the Chinese government wields substantial influence over companies within its remit. Politicians from both sides have voiced worries that China might exploit its national security legislation to access personal data from American users.
TikTok’s destiny remains unclear as the widely-used platform has yet to secure an American purchaser. The application was temporarily unavailable in January following President Biden’s executive order, but President Trump restored it after issuing another directive, postponing the prohibition’s implementation by 75 days.
In April, Trump once more delayed the ban whilst allegedly hoping to utilise the platform as a negotiating chip for improved relations with China. The president indicated he would offer China “a little reduction in tariffs or something” as part of the agreement to safeguard TikTok.
“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump announced on Truth Social. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days… We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.”
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