In a surprising turn of events, Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump, is being considered for a position on the board of TikTok as the social media platform transitions to American ownership. The potential move comes amid ongoing concerns about the app's Chinese ties and its implications for U.S. national security.
Jack Advent, known as "TikTok Jack" from the 2024 Trump campaign trail and the former TikTok producer for President Trump, expressed optimism that the younger Trump, along with other American youth, could be appointed to TikTok's board. "I’m hopeful President Trump will consider appointing his son Barron and maybe other young Americans to TikTok’s board to help ensure it remains an app young people want to keep using," Advent stated to the Daily Mail.
This suggestion arises as TikTok remains downloadable in the United States, following a period of uncertainty regarding its operational status. President Trump signed an executive order on September 25, which averted a potential ban on the app by allowing its operation to continue in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns through a restructuring agreement. The order outlines a plan for the majority of TikTok's ownership to be transferred to American investors, with ByteDance, the Beijing-based parent company, retaining less than 20 percent of the stock.
The announcement of this executive order was made by President Trump in a TikTok video from the Oval Office, where he claimed credit for "saving TikTok" and underscored his appeal to the app's predominantly young user base. The move was widely seen as an extension of Trump's direct engagement with younger voters, a demographic that has been highly active on TikTok and instrumental in shaping online discourse.
Barron Trump, 19, has drawn attention in the past for his apparent acumen in understanding online culture and trends. During a campaign speech, President Trump recounted Barron's advice to appear on comedian Theo Von's podcast, "This Past Weekend," which significantly expanded the campaign's reach among young voters. This episode highlighted Barron's potential to bridge the gap between traditional political strategies and the evolving digital landscape.
TikTok's influence extends beyond entertainment, as it serves as a vital platform for small businesses, political campaigns, and content creators to engage directly with audiences, often circumventing conventional media channels. Advent suggested that a board with youthful insights, possibly including Barron Trump, could ensure TikTok remains competitive and relevant.
If Barron were to join TikTok's leadership or advisory ranks, it would represent a novel instance of a Gen Z individual playing an official role in the governance of a major global social media company. While no official decisions have been made, these discussions underscore the growing recognition of the impact that young Americans wield over media, politics, and digital communication.
