The White House launched its official TikTok account on Tuesday, just weeks before a key September 17 deadline that could lead to a nationwide ban of the app in the United States.
The deadline, set under a directive issued by former President Donald Trump, requires TikTok to restructure its ownership to continue operating in the country.
In 2020, the Trump administration ordered ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations, citing fears that American users’ data could be accessed by the Chinese government. While that executive order faced legal challenges and was later revoked by President Joe Biden in 2021, national security reviews of apps like TikTok have continued.
The Biden administration has taken a different approach, directing agencies to conduct broader evaluations of apps that could pose security threats, rather than implementing outright bans.
The White House’s presence on TikTok highlights the platform’s broad influence, particularly among younger users. However, the move also raises questions, given the unresolved regulatory concerns surrounding the app’s future in the U.S.
As the September deadline nears, TikTok’s ownership and operational structure remain under review. Negotiations involving potential buyers have faced delays, adding to the uncertainty.
The U.S. government continues to assess the app’s compliance with security standards while engaging with evolving digital platforms for public outreach.