TikTok’s fate in the United States appears to be entering a new chapter, and President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, could play a role in its next phase.
Jack Advent, who served as Trump’s former TikTok producer and earned the nickname “TikTok Jack” on the 2024 campaign trail, told the the Daily Mail he hopes Barron and other young Americans might be appointed to the app’s board as it transitions into American hands.
“I’m hopeful President Trump will consider appointing his son Barron and maybe other young Americans to TikTok’s board to help ensure it remains an app young people want to keep using,” Advent said.
The suggestion comes as the app remains available for download in the United States following months of uncertainty surrounding its future.
The Biden administration had pushed to limit TikTok’s operations in the country over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.
On Sept. 25, President Trump signed an executive order that reversed course, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. while addressing those same concerns through a restructuring deal.
The order, which Trump described as “saving TikTok from a ban while protecting America’s national security,” outlines a framework that would transfer the majority of TikTok’s ownership to American investors.
Under the terms of the agreement, ByteDance, the Beijing-based company that created TikTok, would retain less than 20 percent of the company’s stock.
The remaining shares would be controlled by American stakeholders to ensure the app complies with national data and security standards.
Trump announced the move with a TikTok video from the Oval Office earlier this week.
“To all those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big,” Trump said in the post. “And now you’re looking at me in the Oval Office.”
The comment echoed Trump’s previous campaign style, directly addressing the younger online audience that had remained active on TikTok throughout his political rise.
“President Trump delivered on his promise to save TikTok and the millions of Americans who run their businesses and get their unfiltered news through the app,” Advent told the Daily Mail.
He described the executive order as a move that not only preserved access for creators and entrepreneurs but also strengthened national control over a popular digital platform.
Barron Trump, 19, has occasionally drawn attention for his apparent interest and insight into online trends and digital platforms.
During the 2024 election season, his father credited him with encouraging an appearance on comedian Theo Von’s podcast, This Past Weekend.
“[Barron Trump] said, ‘Dad, you got to do an interview with a guy named Theo Von,’” Trump recounted during a campaign speech.
“I said, who the hell is Theo Von?”
“He said, ‘Dad, he’s such a big guy, you got to do an interview.’ So, he knew all the names. I didn’t know the names,” Trump said, emphasizing his son’s awareness of internet culture and social media influencers popular among younger audiences.
That single piece of advice reportedly helped the Trump campaign reach millions of younger voters who might not have otherwise tuned in to traditional media interviews.
WATCH:
Advent suggested that Barron’s generational insight could be a valuable asset if he were to serve in an advisory or board capacity for TikTok.
“Young Americans understand this platform better than anyone,” Advent said.
“If Barron or others from Gen Z have a say, it could help ensure TikTok stays relevant and competitive.”
TikTok remains one of the most influential social media platforms in the world, with more than 150 million users in the United States.
The platform has also been a major driver for small businesses, political campaigns and online creators. Many rely on it to reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional media outlets.
Advent hinted that a more youth-driven advisory board could push the platform toward greater transparency and less censorship.
“Maybe a TikTok advised by the likes of Barron Trump would ease up on censorship,” he said.
“If only because it’s difficult to stand when someone replaces ‘kills’ or ‘murders’ with ‘unalives.’”
If Barron Trump were to join its leadership or advisory ranks, it would mark one of the first instances of a Gen Z figure playing an official role in shaping the future of a global social media company.
While no decisions have been confirmed, Advent’s remarks reflect a broader trend: the increasing recognition of younger Americans’ influence over media, politics and digital communication in the modern era.
