Biden Courts TikTok Influencers Amidst National Security Concerns
The Biden administration is facing criticism for its dual approach to TikTok, the popular social media platform. While the government continues to raise national security concerns and pursues a potential ban, the White House has simultaneously been courting TikTok influencers to bolster support among young voters.
White House Meetings with TikTok Influencers
White House visitor logs reveal that several high-profile TikTok users have visited the White House in recent months, including Oneya Johnson, who has over 27 million followers. These meetings were coordinated by Morgan MacNaughton, the White House deputy director of partnerships, who has a background with TikTok and has played a key role in fostering relationships between the Biden campaign and the platform.
Biden’s Embrace of TikTok
Despite the administration’s public concerns about TikTok’s potential security risks, the Biden campaign has embraced the platform, creating an official account and actively engaging with TikTok users. This move has drawn criticism from some allies, who argue that it sends a mixed message and undermines the government’s position on the app.
Critics Cite Mixed Messaging
Critics argue that the Biden administration’s simultaneous pursuit of a TikTok ban and engagement with TikTok influencers sends a confusing message. They warn that a ban could alienate young voters, who are TikTok’s primary user base, and harm the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects.
White House Defends Outreach
The White House has defended its outreach to TikTok influencers, claiming that it is simply engaging with voters where they are. The administration also points out that the federal ban on the use of TikTok on government devices remains in place.
Ongoing Ban Discussions
Despite the White House’s efforts to court TikTok influencers, the Biden administration continues to pursue a potential ban on the platform. Discussions over legislation to ban TikTok are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. If a ban is enacted, it could significantly impact TikTok’s operations in the United States and the Biden campaign’s outreach to young voters.
