The White House launched its official TikTok account on Aug. 19, marking a high-profile entry onto one of the world’s most popular social platforms. While the White House’s TikTok videos have racked up thousands of views and likes, the reaction in the comment section has leaned heavily negative.
Criticism outpaces praise
President Donald Trump, however, is no stranger to the app. The president joined TikTok last summer and even acknowledged Tuesday in the Oval Office how he believed it helped him.
“I use TikTok, I have to admit it, in the election and look how I did with youth,” Trump told reporters.
The Washington Post reported that the top comment on 97 of the 101 videos uploaded so far has been critical of Trump. The leading responses are users inquiring about the Epstein files, AI-images of California Gov. Gavin Newsom or just outright critical of the Trump administration.
“Trump for Prison 2025,” reads one photo in the comments of a video posted about the 200+ executive orders Trump has signed.
The top comment on the most recent video posted of Trump inspecting the Guard of Honor with King Charles III is an orange, baby-like cartoon resembling Trump with blond hair. The character is labeled with the word “CocoFelon,” a play on the popular children’s show “Cocomelon.”
Many other commenters on other videos praise former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Commenters vary in background
It is not always clear who is driving the surge of critical responses. Some accounts identify as Democratic or political voices, but many appear to be ordinary TikTok users.
On Trump’s personal account — inactive since the day after the election — there are also negative remarks. However, the criticism is not as concentrated as what appears on the White House feed.
Despite the dominant wave of critical comments, not every reply is negative. Some users joke about the videos, while others openly express support for Trump.
Strategy and uncertainty
The Washington Post also reported that the White House spent months debating strategy, tone and messaging before going live on TikTok.
The launch also raised questions from users skeptical about the administration’s choice. Many asked why the White House would embrace the platform if U.S. officials had described TikTok as a potential security risk.
“Let me get this straight,” one user asked. “TikTok is run by the evil China and a national security threat, but the White House has an official account.”
Meanwhile, Trump extended the deadline this week for TikTok’s operations in the United States, following a deal between the U.S. and Beijing to allow the app to remain available.
Earlier this year, TikTok faced a brief ban in the U.S. that lasted less than a day. When the app was reinstated, TikTok featured a notification to all users who opened the app.
“Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support,” the notification read. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
TikTok’s CEO also thanked Trump in a video posted to the app.
“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” Shou Chew said. “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”
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