Trump’s Record-Breaking Campaign Strategy on TikTok
President-elect Donald Trump’s surprising remarks about TikTok have sparked a wave of interest, leaving many to wonder if the controversial app will remain operational in the US.
Addressing a crowd at the AmericaFest gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump noted the app’s role in his campaign’s massive reach, with billions of views credited to his presence on the platform.
“They brought me a chart, and it was a record, and it was so beautiful to see. As I looked at it, I said, ‘Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while,’” Trump quipped, highlighting the unprecedented impact TikTok had on his digital strategy.
A Battle in the Senate and the Courts
The fate of TikTok in the US has been hanging by a thread since the Senate passed a law in April demanding ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, divest the app due to national security concerns.
With the clock ticking towards Jan. 19—one day before Trump’s inauguration—the Supreme Court is set to decide whether TikTok’s ownership structure poses a risk to American users.
The Justice Department has stood firm, citing TikTok’s ties to China as a potential threat.
However, TikTok has pushed back, arguing that user data is stored on US-based servers operated by Oracle, and all content moderation for American users is handled domestically.
ByteDance’s legal team continues to fight for the app’s survival in the US market.
Trump’s “Warm Spot” for TikTok
Despite the bipartisan support for TikTok’s divestiture, Trump’s campaign success on the platform appears to have softened his stance.
In a meeting with TikTok’s CEO last Monday, Trump described the interaction as positive and admitted to developing a “warm spot” for the app.
“We had a great response, billions and billions of views. It was a record,” Trump reiterated during his speech, emphasising the app’s unparalleled ability to engage voters, particularly younger demographics.
A Marketing Powerhouse or a Security Threat?
The controversy surrounding TikTok underscores a larger debate: Can the platform’s marketing power outweigh potential security risks?
For Trump, TikTok provided an unprecedented way to reach voters, showcasing its value as a strategic tool for brands and political campaigns alike.
Still, lawmakers remain skeptical.
The Justice Department and many in Congress view Chinese control of TikTok as an ongoing threat, regardless of its operational safeguards.
What’s Next for TikTok?
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on ByteDance’s legal challenge, TikTok’s future hangs in the balance.
Whether the app will survive a potential ban—or receive an unexpected reprieve from Trump—remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: TikTok’s influence in the marketing and political spheres is undeniable.
For now, Trump’s comments suggest that the app’s journey in the US may not be over just yet.
The President-elect’s admiration for TikTok’s campaign impact could pave the way for a surprising twist in the platform’s tumultuous story.
