A unique blend of politics and pop culture took center stage on Sunday as social media influencers gathered at the Power 30 Awards, a TikTok-sponsored party celebrating Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Despite his previous efforts to ban the platform, Trump’s revival of TikTok access in the U.S. has turned him into an unlikely ally for the video-sharing app and its massive Gen Z audience.
Held at the upscale Sax Restaurant and Lounge in Washington, D.C., the event brought together conservative influencers, political leaders, and content creators to honor those who played a pivotal role in Trump’s re-election.
Partygoers donned TikTok-branded earmuffs and MAGA hats, capturing every moment on small cameras while enjoying free merchandise, including beanies, shot glasses, and Trump gear.
Celebrating the First “Influencer Election”
CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council, called the 2024 election a turning point in political campaigns. “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,” he said.
While Trump secured 43% of voters aged 18 to 29—seven points higher than in 2020—the event highlighted the significant role social media played in mobilizing young voters. Influencers like Bryce Hall, who boasts over 23 million TikTok followers, praised Trump for recognizing Gen Z’s power.
“Shout out to Donald Trump,” Hall said. “Now he understands the power of Gen Z.”
TikTok’s Revival Under Trump
The celebration coincided with TikTok’s restoration in the U.S. after the platform was briefly shut down due to national security concerns over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. On Saturday night, the app went offline for millions of American users as a ban took effect. However, Trump announced plans to reinstate TikTok through a joint venture, allowing the platform to operate once again.
In a message to users, TikTok credited Trump for the app’s return, stating: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” While the app remained unavailable for download on Sunday evening, its website and existing functionalities were back online.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and participate in post-ceremony celebrations, underscoring the renewed alliance between the platform and the incoming administration.
A New Era of Politics and Social Media
The Power 30 Awards signaled the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping political discourse and voter engagement. Raquel Debono, co-host of the event and founder of the conservative dating movement “Make America Hot Again,” emphasized the importance of connecting politics with culture to reach new audiences.
As Trump prepares to take the oath of office, his unexpected partnership with TikTok reflects the evolving relationship between politics and technology, setting the stage for a presidency heavily influenced by Gen Z and social media.
