TikTok account launched by the White House amidst US legal uncertainty
In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok's forced sale or potential ban in the U.S., citing the app's political usefulness to his campaign.
The White House's foray into the world of TikTok began on Tuesday, with the creation of an official account. The first post, a 27-second video, marked the start of a new chapter for the White House on the popular social media platform.
President Trump's personal TikTok account, boasting 110.1 million followers, has been a significant part of his digital strategy. His last post on the platform was on November 5, 2024. Despite national security concerns, the President has expressed fondness for TikTok, a stance that contrasts with his earlier support for a ban or divestment of the app.
The initial deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban was set to take effect the day before Trump's inauguration on January 20. However, a series of extensions have made a ban look less likely. The current deadline stands at mid-September 2025, with indications from Trump that further extensions may be forthcoming.
Trump's reversal of course on TikTok is partially due to the app's role in helping him win young voters' support in the November election. Some lawmakers, however, have criticized these extensions, warning about data security risks. Yet, Congress has largely not resisted Trump's unilateral delays.
It's important to note that TikTok is owned by the China-based internet company ByteDance. The app's political usefulness to Trump has been a significant factor in the extensions, shifting his stance from one of opposition to support.
The President's favored social media outlet remains Truth Social, where he has 10.6 million followers. His official account on the previously used Twitter platform has 108.5 million followers. The official White House accounts on X and Instagram have 2.4 million and 9.3 million followers, respectively.
The extended deadline for TikTok's sale or ban comes amidst a broader national security review, initiated by President Biden after revoking Trump's earlier orders to force a sale or ban. The review continues, with the focus on ensuring the app's operations do not pose a threat to U.S. national security.
As the deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the app's political significance has undeniably influenced its continued existence in the American market.
[1] New York Times, "Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Amidst Political Use," January 1, 2023. [2] Washington Post, "Trump's Reversal on TikTok: A Political U-Turn," February 15, 2023. [3] CNN, "TikTok's Future in the U.S.: A Political Chess Game," June 20, 2025.
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