Joe Biden's 2024 Campaign Takes to TikTok Despite National Security Concerns

US President Joe Biden's 2024 campaign boldly embraces TikTok, challenging past reservations and the federal device ban.

The @bidenhq account, solely managed by the campaign team, strategically targets a diverse American population, especially younger demographics shifting from traditional platforms.

The first post, featuring President Biden's Super Bowl-related responses and a nod to a Taylor Swift conspiracy theory, showcases the campaign's innovative approach.

President Biden joked that he supported the Philadelphia Eagles to avoid "sleeping alone" because his wife is from Philadelphia.

(Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)In this photo illustration, a reporter shows US President Joe Biden's X account on their phone at the White House on February 12, 2024, in Washington, DC. US President Joe Biden's debut on TikTok has caused a stir -- not least because the Chinese-owned social media platform is still officially considered a security risk by Washington.

TikTok Security Concerns

In 2022, Biden prohibited 4 million federal workers from using TikTok due to data-sharing fears with China, including FBI and FCC-mentioned privacy concerns, according to a news from AP News Several states have adopted this policy. Legislators from both parties have called for the ban of ByteDance's app, citing fears that Beijing may access user data.

Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash), a vocal advocate for banning TikTok, and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who chairs the China Select Committee on the CCP and co-sponsored a bill to ban the app, are both retiring from Congress. Republican presidential candidates who criticized TikTok in debates have largely withdrawn from the race, per Politico.

Additionally, the government faces significant internal discord regarding the methodology for banning the social media app and safeguarding such a ban against expected legal challenges. Despite these worries, TikTok remains popular among American youth, whom the White House wants to rally for in November.

The Biden campaign acknowledges security issues, pledging enhanced measures, though specifics remain undisclosed.

The Committee on Foreign Investment examines TikTok's national security concerns. Despite the 2020 ban attempt's failure, the investigation persists. TikTok concurrently strengthens its government affairs team, hiring from tech giants like Amazon and the now-defunct Internet Association.

Targeting Young Voters

Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins acknowledges Democrats' TikTok hesitancy due to security concerns but stresses its necessity for voter engagement. Biden's campaign aims to revive the 2020 youth turnout, with Tufts University reporting 50% turnout and 65% support for the Democratic president.

Opinion polls hint at strains in the youth coalition, with younger voters questioning Biden's stance on Israel and discontent over Gaza. Student loan forgiveness issues contribute to potential fractures. Alarming surveys even suggest Biden is trailing Trump among younger voters. The campaign acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing the imperative of addressing youth concerns for the upcoming election.

President Biden's TikTok account would be managed by his campaign staff, as reported by The BBC. Biden's campaign announced regular content updates on TikTok. The campaign is active on various platforms, including Meta's Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X (previously Twitter), and Truth Social, endorsed by Republican figurehead Donald Trump.

Emphasizing social media and smaller events, the campaign aims to connect with target voters less engaged with traditional outlets. They have intensified efforts to collaborate with social media influencers to amplify the president's message, showcasing a multifaceted approach to outreach.