Former President Donald Trump has made headlines by joining the popular video-sharing app TikTok, a platform he previously attempted to ban during his time in the White House. Just two days after becoming the first former president and presumptive major party nominee in U.S. history to be found guilty on felony charges, Trump posted a video from a UFC fight in Newark, New Jersey.
In the TikTok video, Trump can be seen waving to fans and taking selfies at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event. The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.1 million followers, 1 million likes, and 24 million views by Sunday morning.
A campaign spokesman for Trump highlighted the move as part of an effort to engage with a younger audience and promote pro-Trump and anti-Biden content. The decision to join TikTok was described as a strategic move to connect with a demographic that is often hard to reach through traditional media channels.
Despite previous concerns about TikTok's security implications, Trump's campaign embraced the platform as a means to engage with potential voters, particularly young people and minority groups. The move comes in the wake of President Joe Biden signing legislation that could potentially ban TikTok in the U.S., citing national security concerns.
Trump's appearance at the UFC fight was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, with chants of support and cheers from fans. This public outing marked Trump's first appearance since being found guilty on multiple charges related to the 2016 election.
While Trump has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the possibility of jail time or house arrest. Despite these uncertainties, Trump expressed confidence in the public's support, suggesting that his potential punishment might not be widely accepted.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both Trump and Biden's campaigns have recognized the importance of utilizing platforms like TikTok to engage with voters and disseminate their messages. With social media playing an increasingly significant role in modern politics, campaigns are leveraging various platforms to reach a diverse audience.
Trump's foray into TikTok represents a strategic shift in his campaign strategy, aiming to connect with voters in new and innovative ways. As the 2024 election approaches, the use of social media platforms like TikTok is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse and engaging with voters across different demographics.
