Biden joins TikTok ahead of 2024 election despite ban

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden made his first appearance on TikTok, sharing a 26-second clip on the platform. This introduction to TikTok occurs amidst significant scrutiny from the US government towards the video-sharing app, criticism that has emanated from both Republican figures and the Biden administration itself. The ownership of TikTok by the Chinese company ByteDance has led to allegations from numerous US officials who claim the platform acts as a propaganda instrument for Beijing, a charge vehemently refuted by the company.

In the video, which was uploaded to the @bidenhq campaign account, the 81-year-old President Biden playfully discusses topics ranging from political matters to the NFL championship game. When posed with the choice between the Super Bowl and its renowned half-time show, this year featuring Usher, he opts for the game itself.

Further, when asked about a hypothetical conspiracy to manipulate the game in favor of a Biden endorsement by pop icon Taylor Swift — currently dating Kansas City Chiefs standout Travis Kelce — the president humorously entertains the baseless speculation. “I’d get in trouble if I told you,” he quips.

The use of TikTok on official government devices has been prohibited by numerous states and the federal government, citing security reasons. In Montana, an attempt by the state to fully outlaw the app was recently overturned by a court.

Despite ongoing scrutiny from Washington, plans for a federal prohibition or restriction on the app seem to have stalled. “It seems now like the idea of a ban was being pushed more so to make political points and less as a serious effort to legislate,” David Greene, a civil liberties lawyer, remarked to The Guardian.

With the election on the horizon, TikTok offers a channel to connect with younger voters. The video concludes with President Biden, when asked to choose between himself and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, responding with a laugh, “Are you kidding? Biden.”