Social Media and U.S. Elections

The Republican National Committee has formally launched an official TikTok account, @Republicans, in a bid to reach voters under 30 who consume most of their political information on social media rather than traditional news. RNC Chair Joe Gruters told Fox News the move follows President Trump’s 2024 campaign success on TikTok and the Trump‑backed deal that turned the app into a majority American‑owned joint venture, which the party now touts as having made the platform 'safe' for U.S. users. Citing Pew data that 63% of 18‑ to 29‑year‑olds use TikTok, the RNC says it will push 'America First' content there and is actively urging Republican candidates nationwide to join and 'level the playing field' with Democrats, who have long dominated the app. Trump, who amassed about 3 million followers within 24 hours of joining TikTok in 2024 and whose White House account now has roughly 5 million followers and more than 80 million likes, has publicly credited the platform as a key factor in his 'landslide' victory. The strategy underscores how both major parties are treating TikTok as a central battleground for 2026, despite ongoing national‑security concerns and regulatory scrutiny around its ownership and algorithmic influence.