By Jayla Whitfield-Anderson and Anna Tong
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – TikTok earmuffs and MAGA hats adorned partygoers at Sunday’s inauguration celebration for the incoming President Donald Trump and the video-sharing platform he as soon as tried to ban.
Known as the Energy 30 Awards, the get together occurred hours after TikTok started restoring companies, and honored social media influencers who had helped most with Trump’s re-election.
On the get together, TikTok influencers recorded moments on small cameras and mingled over an open bar at Sax Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Washington. Free swag flowed: TikTok beanies, shot glasses and Trump merchandise.
The get together was hosted by Raquel Debono, identified for organizing “Make America Hot Again” conservative courting occasions, and CJ Pearson (LON:), co-chair of the Republican Nationwide Committee Youth Advisory Council.
“2024 was the first influencer election,” Pearson informed Reuters on the get together. “When we look at the mandate that President Trump was given, it was because of young voters, and young voters were reached uniquely because of TikTok.”
Trump gained solely 43% of voters age 18 to 29 within the 2024 basic election, however that was 7 factors greater than in 2020.
Partygoers additionally praised Trump for his function in turning TikTok again on.
“Shout out to Donald Trump,” TikTok content material creator Bryce Corridor, whose posts revolving round “making fun of stupid things” have netted him over 23 million followers, informed Reuters. “Now he understand the power of Gen Z.”
TikTok started restoring its companies earlier on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump mentioned he would revive the app’s entry within the U.S. when he returns to energy on Monday.
Trump mentioned Sunday that U.S. will search a three way partnership to revive the short-video sharing app utilized by 170 million Individuals.
In a message to customers hours earlier than the rally, TikTok mentioned: “As a result of president Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.”
As of Sunday night, the app remained unavailable for obtain on U.S. app shops, however the TikTok app and web site have been again on-line.
TikTok stopped working for U.S. customers late on Saturday earlier than a legislation shutting it down on nationwide safety grounds took impact on Sunday. U.S. officers had warned that underneath Chinese language dad or mum firm ByteDance, there was a danger of Individuals’ knowledge being misused.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the U.S. presidential inauguration and attend a rally with Trump on Sunday, a supply informed Reuters.
(Reporting in Washington by Jayla Whitfield-Anderson; modifying by Gerry Doyle)
