As Congress and the national security state continue their quest to ban the TikTok social media platform in the United States, President Joe Biden has been courting TikTok influencers to help him shore up youth support for his reelection. While the administration has been publicly casting TikTok as a grave threat to American security, the White House has quietly hosted a number of influencers to pitch them on pro-Biden content.
TikTok Influencers at the White House:
In recent months, some of the biggest TikTok users with accounts boasting millions of followers have visited the White House. Since September alone, some of the most prominent examples include Jason Linton, Michael Junchaya, Mona Swain, Alexandra Doten, Andrew Townsend, Alex Pearlman, Josh Helfgott, and Oneya Johnson. These influencers met with President Biden and were coordinated by White House deputy director of partnerships, Morgan MacNaughton.
Political Connections:
MacNaughton, who has a background with a social media talent management company specializing in TikTok personalities, helped found the political group “TikTok for Biden” (now “Gen-Z for Change”). Many of the TikTok users who visited the White House are represented by Palette, which received a payment from the Democratic National Committee for paid media. The White House has praised MacNaughton’s work in reaching out to digital creators to amplify the president’s message.
Biden’s Stance on TikTok:
Despite the administration’s concerns about TikTok’s security threat due to Chinese ownership, President Biden has been actively engaging with TikTok influencers to garner support for his reelection campaign. Public opinion on banning TikTok is divided, with younger Americans opposing the ban. Even some of Biden’s supporters have criticized his support for the legislation, citing First Amendment concerns and potential negative impacts on the Democratic Party.
Criticism and Mixed Messages:
The decision to embrace TikTok influencers while also considering a ban on the app has drawn criticism from both allies and opponents. Senator Mark Warner expressed concerns about sending mixed messages, while the White House defended its actions by pointing out that the federal ban on TikTok use on government devices still applies to White House officials. The Biden campaign has stated that it will continue to engage with voters through TikTok unless the app is banned.
Final Thoughts:
As Biden’s reelection campaign gains momentum, his administration’s engagement with TikTok influencers highlights the evolving landscape of political outreach in the digital age. The White House’s embrace of TikTok influencers while considering a ban on the app underscores the complexities of balancing national security concerns with political strategy. The influence of social media personalities on political discourse is undeniable, and their role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support cannot be underestimated.