Let’s be real: TikTok played a significant role in helping President Trump and the GOP succeed in the 2024 election.

You might think it’s just a platform for dance videos, but the effectiveness is clear. For Republicans to maintain their edge beyond 2026, there needs to be a commitment to leverage TikTok, ensuring they connect with Gen Z voters.

I witnessed this impact firsthand. In my role advising a campaign on engaging younger voters, I urged them to meet these individuals where they spend their time: social media. Before an important rally, I had a conversation with President Trump about fully engaging with TikTok.

It’s not a matter of waiting—action is required now.

The outcome? A surge of opinions, tangible momentum, and a wave of young voters who rallied for America.

Now, I can already hear some conservatives reacting negatively—”Isn’t TikTok the enemy?” Perhaps. But my approach to the President was straightforward. If we ignore Gen Z’s main platform, it essentially hands it over to the left.

More than 39% of adults under 30 report frequently getting their news from TikTok. According to the Columbia Journalism Review, over half of TikTok users utilize it for news. Just five years ago, that figure was merely 3%. By early 2025, about 17% of all US adults are using it for news, and that number is climbing fast. Dismissing this demographic means a loss for us.

Let’s be honest: the left hasn’t been ignoring TikTok. They’ve built a strong network of influencers, curated engaging narratives, and dominated the platform without much resistance from us.

While traditional media clings to cable news, they’ve embraced the mobile world, turning phones into powerful tools for communication. Young conservative voices on TikTok simplified complex issues, revealed liberal inconsistencies, and reflected our values in a relatable manner. For the first time in years, we made noteworthy gains in the culture war. I saw it unfold online.

The success didn’t stem from think tanks or heavy advertising. It came from memes, TikTok, and content that resonated with our language. This is how Gen Z engages with the news—84% of TikTok users enjoy humorous takes, while 80% prefer content that mirrors their opinions over conventional journalism.

So, here’s the big question: Are we savvy enough to continue this momentum? Or are we going to fall into the same traps we did in 2022? Are we going to show up late, defending ourselves, wondering why younger voters aren’t on board?

2026 may seem far off, but TikTok operates at lightning speed. If we wait until next fall to engage with Gen Z, we’ll have missed the boat.

Now is the time for authentic, consistent, and creatively engaging content that can stop people mid-scroll. Gen Z isn’t going to read a press release; they spend hours on TikTok without a second thought. That’s where we can win their hearts and, ultimately, their votes.

This isn’t just about pushing a message; it’s about taking control of a narrative.

President Trump and the GOP have accomplished significant things—the tax cuts, securing borders, enhancing labor standards, and protecting energy jobs. However, if we don’t communicate these points clearly and consistently, the left will twist them and rewrite history.

If we allow opponents to dominate the platform while we debate the professionalism of engaging on TikTok, we’re already losing.

We need to build on Trump’s digital momentum heading into 2024, invest in young conservative creators, and treat TikTok as a crucial asset in our strategy.

Leaders like Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Thune understand this: If you want to secure a strong vote, recognizing TikTok as a key communication tool isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

Gen Z is ready to be influential again. Let’s give them the tools to make it happen.