Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) launched a TikTok account in preparation for his 2024 Senate campaign, despite a history of raising national security concerns about the platform.
Gallego, who is running for the Senate seat held by independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, previously said TikTok “could” pose a national security threat.
“That may be true. There are many ways you can actually prevent TikTok from acquiring and using your personal information,” Gallego told CNN in 2020. future. “
In 2023, Gallego expressed interest in joining the House Committee on China, and specifically mentioned TikTok for consideration.
Vulnerable Democratic senator promotes TikTok account after saying he has 'serious concerns' about ties to Chinese Communist Party
Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is running for Senate. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
“I think I can bring a lot of the experience that I've had, the experience that I've had on subcommittees, and other experience on committees dealing with issues. [Indo-Pacific] That includes things like the Huaweis of the world and even TikTok,” Gallego told Defense News in January 2023.
Despite past concerns, an Arizona congressman has started using China-related apps in anticipation of the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in 2024.
Republicans ask FBI, DHS to update Congress on ongoing TikTok investigation
Just a few days ago, Gallego uploaded his first video to his verified TikTok account, featuring people holding up “Ruben Gallego for Arizona” signs.
In this illustration taken on January 6, 2020, the TikTok logo is displayed on a smartphone. (Reuters/Dado Luvich)
A spokesperson for Gallego's campaign said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the candidate will continue to fight to protect privacy rights and hold China accountable.
“Mr. Reuben has a long record of holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable in Congress and will continue to fight to keep Arizonans safe,” the spokesperson said.
Many Republicans and some The Democratic Party has expressed concerns about the platform's ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), a vulnerable candidate, similarly expressed concerns about TikTok's ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but months later created an account to promote his re-election campaign.
Gallego is running for the Arizona Senate seat held by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (pictured). (Win McNamee)
When asked about his position on the platform, Brown told WTOL 11, “We have to protect the personal information of Ohioans from the Chinese Communist Party,” and that the platform protects the privacy of Ohioans. suggested that it could be dangerous.
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Just months before opening the account, the senator said, “We have serious concerns about this company's relationship with the Chinese government, and we will continue to work with them as we evaluate how to best protect the privacy and national security of Ohioans.'' We will continue to work together with party members.” Himself.
