White House enlists TikTokers in messaging war with Russia

TikTok isn’t just for dances anymore.

The White House briefed 30 high-profile creators on the popular app Thursday about key details of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Washington Post reported.

According to the outlet, the briefing took place over Zoom and was led by White House press secretary Jen Psaki and National Security Council special communications adviser Matt Miller.

The topics reportedly broached included America’s strategic goals in Eastern Europe, how the US would respond to nuclear escalation by Russia, and how millions of dollars in aid were being distributed to Ukrainians affected by the war.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine began Feb. 24, TikTok users in Russia and Ukraine have continuously posted videos showing the aftermath of bombings and the effect of economic sanctions.

At one point in the briefing, White House director of digital strategy Rob Flaherty noted that the Biden administration recognized that TikTok “is a critically important avenue” for much of the American public — especially Gen Z — to find out about news.