A parents’ rights group, led by a former Trump administration official, is launching a new advertising campaign to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of TikTok, coinciding with a potential House vote regarding the app.
The American Parents Coalition is allocating $500,000 for a blend of television and digital ads, targeting Washington, D.C., as well as key states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Montana, where Democratic senators are facing reelection. The ad buy details were exclusively shared with The Hill.
The 30-second ad, titled “TikTok Nightmare,” characterizes the app’s algorithm as a concerning issue for parents, referencing a study that highlights the prevalence of content related to eating disorders and self-harm, which has garnered billions of views.
TikTok Debate (Credits: CNBC)
Alleigh Marré, the executive director of the American Parents Coalition and former national spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, expressed alarm over TikTok’s influence on children’s safety and the broader national security implications.
The launch of the ad campaign coincides with House Republican leaders incorporating legislation into funding bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Indo-Pacific allies, proposing a potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. unless its China-based owner, ByteDance, divests.
TikTok (Credits: CNBC)
In March, the House overwhelmingly passed a standalone bill that could lead to a TikTok ban in a 352-65 vote, with President Biden indicating his willingness to sign such legislation if it reaches his desk.
While former President Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee for the upcoming election, has previously supported a ban on TikTok during his tenure, he has expressed reservations about the idea more recently.
