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Politics

From Attempted Ban to Viral Embrace: Trump's Unexpected TikTok Debut

Monday 03 June 2024 - 15:10

Zoom

In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump, who once sought to ban the social media platform TikTok during his presidency, has now made his debut on the very app he tried to prohibit. This unexpected move has captured the attention of millions as the former leader embraces a platform that has become a cultural phenomenon.

On Saturday evening, Trump posted his first video on TikTok, a 13-second clip showcasing his attendance at an MMA fight in Newark, New Jersey. Accompanied by UFC President Dana White, who introduces Trump's presence on the platform, the former president acknowledges the "honor" of joining TikTok.

Within hours of launching his account, @realDonaldTrump, the former president amassed an impressive following of over two million subscribers, highlighting the enduring popularity and influence he commands.

This move comes amid a complex legal battle surrounding TikTok's future in the United States. In late April, President Joe Biden signed a law that paves the way for a potential ban on TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to find a buyer within the next 12 months.

In response to the legislation, TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit in early May against the United States, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and infringes upon the platform's rights.

Rewind to 2020, and Trump had attempted to ban TikTok through an executive order, citing national security concerns. However, the app, boasting a staggering 170 million users in the United States, successfully challenged the order in federal court, where judges ruled that such a move would violate free speech protections.

Trump's unexpected embrace of TikTok has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and commentary. Some question the motives behind his decision to join a platform he once sought to prohibit, while others view it as a strategic move to tap into the vast and highly engaged user base, particularly among younger generations.

Regardless of the motivations, Trump's presence on TikTok represents a fascinating intersection of politics, social media, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. As the former president navigates this new territory, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness how this unconventional pairing of Trump and TikTok will unfold and what impact it may have on both his political ambitions and the platform's future.