US Senators Bill Cassidy, Ted Budd, and other Republican colleagues have written to Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, requesting more information on the US Navy’s use of a TikTok drag queen to help reach potential recruits on social media. In their letter, the senators raised concerns over the use of the app, which was banned on department devices by the No TikTok on Government Devices Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022.
The senators also questioned whether the Navy endorsed the personal posts of its influencers and ambassadors and whether they drew the line on the promotion of personal activities of its influencers. They asked the Secretary to provide more information on the Navy’s Digital Ambassador Pilot Program, its impact, and data on funding and incentives paid to influencers under the program.
The senators emphasized the importance of privacy, security, and professionalism, calling on the Navy to follow both the letter and spirit of the law, and its own recruitment history in promoting patriotism, valor, and benefits of serving.
News Press Releases: cassidy.senate.gov