TikTok is the most influential media platform for Australians under the age of 25. It’s where millions get their news – whether they realise it or not.

But TikTok is no longer just a cultural force. A Trump-aligned group of investors has taken over its American operations, aimed at keeping China at arm’s length.

Now, users are claiming that content about ICE and its operations in Minnesota, where two American citizens were killed by federal agents, has been difficult to post, has disappeared from the algorithm, or has reached far fewer people than expected.

TikTok has denied political censorship, saying the platform was experiencing technical disruption at the time.

But it’s raised the question: When it comes to TikTok, who gets to decide what Americans see – and what gets buried?

Today, Crikey associate editor Cam Wilson, on the “Trumpification” of TikTok.

This episode was first published in October 2025.

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