In a recent interview with Kristen Welker, President-Elect Donald Trump revealed a surprising shift in his stance on TikTok, the popular social media platform that has been at the center of political controversy. Trump credited TikTok as a pivotal tool in his 2024 campaign, highlighting its role in reaching younger voters—a demographic he admits his party had struggled with in the past.
According to Trump, while his 2020 campaign saw a 30% loss of younger voters, this year, TikTok contributed to a 35% increase in engagement from this crucial group. “I can’t totally hate it,” he remarked, hinting at potential measures to preserve TikTok for U.S. users. However, Trump did not elaborate on the specifics of his plan.
TikTok’s Role in the Modern Economy
Beyond its political impact, TikTok has revolutionized the digital economy, creating unprecedented opportunities for influencers and small businesses. Platforms like TikTok have empowered individuals to monetize their personal brands and lifestyles, exemplified by Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm.
Read our Hannah Neeleman portrait here.
Neeleman’s account (@BallerinaFarm), which blends rural homesteading with aspirational content, has amassed 9.8 million followers on TikTok—almost half her total audience. Losing access to the platform could significantly affect her revenue and influence, as TikTok drives sales of farm-raised meats, sourdough kits, and artisanal home goods. The platform is a lifeline for countless creators and entrepreneurs like Neeleman, underscoring the stakes of any policy affecting its future.
Options for Saving TikTok
Trump’s affirmation to save TikTok has sparked widespread speculation about the strategies he might employ. Here are potential measures he could take:
- Enforce U.S.-Based Ownership:
Building on previous proposals, Trump could push for U.S. investors or companies to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, ensuring user data is stored domestically. This approach aims to address national security concerns without banning the platform. - Implement Data Transparency Laws:
Trump could introduce stricter regulations requiring platforms like TikTok to comply with robust data privacy and transparency standards in the U.S. This would ease bipartisan concerns about data misuse while preserving the platform for users. - Create a Public-Private Partnership:
A more innovative solution could involve a public-private partnership, where TikTok collaborates with the U.S. government to ensure regulatory compliance, particularly on data security. - Negotiate Diplomatic Agreements with China:
Given TikTok‘s Chinese ownership, Trump could pursue diplomatic negotiations with Beijing, tying TikTok’s operations to broader trade and technology agreements.
Public Reaction
Trump’s remarks have been met with enthusiasm across social media platforms, particularly among younger users and content creators. Many see his potential support for TikTok as a pragmatic move, blending his campaign success with recognition of the platform’s cultural and economic significance.
Conclusion
As Trump prepares to assume office, his approach to TikTok will likely serve as a litmus test for his administration’s tech and trade policies. With platforms like TikTok central to the digital economy, their fate will shape the future of creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers alike. Saving TikTok could not only secure Trump’s rapport with younger voters but also bolster the burgeoning creator economy exemplified by stories like Ballerina Farm.
TikTok’s survival, it seems, is about more than politics—it’s about sustaining a digital culture that drives innovation and livelihoods.
