White House launches official TikTok account amid security concerns

The White House unveiled an official TikTok account on Tuesday, signaling a broad shift in how the administration seeks to reach American audiences. The account, operated under the handle whitehouse, aims to use the platform’s substantial reach—well over 170 million U.S. users—to disseminate President Donald Trump’s messages and policy priorities. The launch comes as the administration continues to navigate a politically charged and legally complex landscape surrounding the app, including a 2024 law that would compel ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban, a deadline that has been extended multiple times.

The first post on the new account features footage of Trump at rallies and public appearances, accompanied by a voiceover in which the president declares, “Every day I wake up determined to deliver a better life for the people all across this nation. I am your voice.” The post is accompanied by a caption suggesting that “America we are BACK.” The account gained thousands of followers within the first hour, and its bio reads “Welcome to the Golden Age of America.” White House officials described the move as an effort to engage more directly with a...