By Jayla Whitfield-Anderson and Anna Tong
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – TikTok earmuffs and MAGA hats adorned partygoers at Sunday’s inauguration celebration for the incoming President Donald Trump and the video-sharing platform he once tried to ban.
Called the Power 30 Awards, the party occurred hours after TikTok began restoring services, and honored social media influencers who had helped most with Trump’s re-election.
At the party, TikTok influencers recorded moments on small cameras and mingled over an open bar at Sax Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Washington. Free swag flowed: TikTok beanies, shot glasses and Trump merchandise.
The party was hosted by Raquel Debono, known for organizing “Make America Hot Again” conservative dating events, and CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council.
“2024 was the first influencer election,” Pearson told Reuters at the party. “When we look at the mandate that President Trump was given, it was because of young voters, and young voters …