Official White House TikTok account gains followers quickly

US-(Special Correspondent / Web Desk)- On Tuesday, the White House launched its official TikTok account, aiming to connect directly with the platform’s vast U.S. audience. The inaugural post featured President Donald Trump declaring, “I am your voice,” accompanied by the caption, “America, we are BACK! WhatsApp, TikTok?” The video quickly garnered over 4,500 followers within an hour, signalling strong public interest.

Despite a federal law mandating the sale or ban of TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 2025, President Trump has extended the deadline to September 17. This marks the third such extension, granting the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, additional time to secure a U.S.-based buyer.

President Trump has acknowledged TikTok’s significant role in his 2024 re-election campaign, attributing its popularity among younger voters as a key factor in his success. His personal TikTok account boasts over 110 million followers, reflecting his strategic use of the platform to engage with a broader audience.

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TikTok’s ownership by China’s ByteDance has raised national security concerns, leading to legislative actions aimed at divesting the app’s U.S. assets. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, signed into law in April 2024, mandates the sale or shutdown of such platforms unless they are divested from foreign adversaries.

The White House’s entry into TikTok underscores a broader strategy to utilise digital platforms for communication. By engaging with platforms like TikTok, the administration aims to reach diverse audiences and share its messages more effectively.