Reflecting on My TikTok Ban Vote: Lessons Learned in the Digital Age

Admitting to a mistake can be daunting, especially for public officials. Today, I openly share my regret for voting to ban TikTok.

Nearly a year has passed since I made that vote, and during this time, I’ve observed President Trump’s notable success on the platform. This prompted me to create my own TikTok account. Since then, I have significantly improved my communication with constituents, sharing updates on legislation, current events, and important news from Washington, D.C.

The Power of TikTok in Political Engagement

In recent years, TikTok has evolved into a compelling campaign tool. President Trump effectively utilized it to connect with younger voters across the political spectrum. This platform has not only informed but has also inspired and mobilized millions, particularly Generation Z. Their active participation was instrumental in the 2024 election outcomes.

The Erosion of Free Speech in Digital Forums

One pressing issue in today’s digital landscape is the decline of free speech on social media. Prior to Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now branded as X, platforms like META and Twitter often censored voices that diverged from Silicon Valley’s narrative under the pretext of fighting