(Web Desk) - The White House on Tuesday officially launched a TikTok account (@whitehouse), aiming to tap into the platform's reach of more than 150 million U.S. users to share President Donald Trump's messages and policy priorities.
While previous intelligence assessments warned that the app could be vulnerable to influence from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, the launch reflects the administration's focus on creative and direct engagement with broader audiences.
In the first video posted to the new account, dramatic piano and percussion music plays over a compilation of Trump meeting with people and walking into crowds.
"Every day, I wake up determined to deliver a better life for the people all across this nation," Trump says in the 27-second video, concluding with, "I am your voice."
The video received over 7,500 likes and more than 500 comments in less than an hour.
The account launch came just weeks before an executive order extending TikTok's U.S. availability is set to expire.
Using the platform for public outreach has proved beneficial previously to the administration, as it reaches millions of Americans, particularly younger users.
National security over TikTok and other Chinese owned apps has launched legislative debate and executive orders.
TikTok became widely popular with Americans during COVID-19 lockdown, with people taking their newly found free time to learn, film and post choreographed dances.
It has since exploded into a cultural touchpoint—opening a gateway for multiple genres of self-produced content to find audiences, while also engaging in the open market in selling products.
The app still faces a federal sell or ban law that required ByteDance to divest U.S. operations or see the app banned, a measure enacted by Congress and signed into last year.
In June, Trump issued his third executive order delaying enforcement of the U.S. TikTok ban—this time extending the deadline to September 17, giving ByteDance additional time to divest or face removal under the law.
Trump has previously praised the app, saying it helped him connect with younger voters and boost support in his victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The White House executive order said, in part: "The enforcement delay ... is further extended until September 17, 2025."
The order instructed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to issue written guidance and letters to providers confirming there would be no liability for conduct during the delay.
The pause in enforcement allows ByteDance to continue operating and to develop new products in U.S. and global markets.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: "The Trump administration is committed to communicating the historic successes President Trump has delivered to the American people with as many audiences and platforms as possible."