On Monday, President Donald Trump made a notable appearance on TikTok, addressing young Americans with a message that reinforced his self-proclaimed role as the platform's "savior." Since returning to the White House, Trump has frequently touted this narrative.
In his initial video post on the social network since assuming office again, Trump quipped, "I saved TikTok, so you owe me one," blending humor with a sense of triumph. As reported by EFE, seated in the Oval Office, Trump added, "And now you're seeing me here, in the Oval Office, and someday one of you will sit right at this desk and do a great job too."
Within just a few hours, the video garnered nearly one million views, marking his official debut on TikTok since his victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in the last November elections. Recently, the Republican leader signed an executive order ensuring the "safe" operation of TikTok in the United States. This came after reaching an agreement with its parent company, ByteDance, which allowed the app to remain functional under the oversight of American companies.
The decision was applauded by the White House, which recently reiterated that Trump was "the president who saved TikTok," alluding to past conflicts with Congress and Beijing over user data control.
In 2024, legislation demanded that the app cease operations in the U.S. unless it detached from its Chinese parent company. This resulted in the formation of a U.S.-based version managed by Oracle, responsible for safeguarding local algorithms and servers.
Trump's latest video strengthens his direct communication strategy with the youth, cementing TikTok as a political propaganda tool amid the government's digital transformation. The White House has also launched an official profile on the platform, aiming to "reach out to new generations."
In its posts, the presidential team has emphasized that Trump "secured the digital freedom of millions of users" by preventing TikTok's shutdown in the United States.
Understanding Trump's TikTok Strategy
Why did Trump claim he saved TikTok?
Trump claimed he saved TikTok by facilitating an agreement with its parent company, ByteDance, ensuring the app's continued operation in the U.S. under American oversight.
What was the executive order regarding TikTok?
The executive order signed by Trump aimed to ensure TikTok's "safe" operation in the U.S., following an agreement to keep the app functional while protecting user data.
How did the White House react to Trump's TikTok policy?
The White House praised Trump's actions, highlighting him as the president who preserved TikTok, a statement aimed at addressing past tensions with Congress and China.