Biden Signs Law to Force TikTok Sale or Ban

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, prominent political figures including Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Pete Buttigieg, JD Vance, and Donald Trump have joined TikTok in a bid to engage younger voters. Their foray into the platform comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Justice is embroiled in a legal battle over a potential ban on the app, raising questions about its future in the American social media landscape. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently made his TikTok debut, humorously referencing his appearances on Fox News. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz quickly gained over a million followers after joining the platform, while Ohio Senator JD Vance has attracted more than 450,000 followers since his arrival. Harris launched her account shortly after President Biden withdrew from the race, signaling a strategic move to connect with a younger demographic. The backdrop to these political maneuvers is a contentious legislative environment. Trump, who initially advocated for a TikTok ban during his presidency, has since reversed his stance, warning that banning the app could benefit competitors like Facebook. In April, President Biden signed a bill mandating that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, either divest or face a ban from U.S. app stores within a year, ensuring the app's presence through the election. Despite the ongoing controversy, several lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Jeff Jackson and Adam Schiff, have also joined TikTok while supporting the ban. A spokesperson for Harris reiterated the administration's position, stating, “We don’t want to ban TikTok,” highlighting the complex dynamics at play as politicians navigate the evolving digital landscape.