In an unexpected twist, Ohio Senator JD Vance’s old statement declaring himself a “never Trump guy” has resurfaced, gaining immense popularity on TikTok. This viral moment, rooted in a 2016 interview where Vance openly criticized Donald Trump, has taken on a new life in the digital age, especially since Vance is now Trump’s running mate.
The Viral Clip That Took Over TikTok
The clip that has taken TikTok by storm is a 22-second audio sample where Vance can be heard saying, “I’m a never Trump guy. I never liked him.” This snippet was originally from a 2016 interview Vance did with Charlie Rose while promoting his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. The clip was given a fresh twist when DJ duo Casa Di and Steve Terrell mixed it with the beat of Petey Pablo’s hit song “Freek-a-Leek,” creating a catchy, shareable piece of content.
This remix quickly caught the attention of TikTok users, leading to the creation of over 8,500 videos using the sound within just a month. With more than 40 million views, the audio snippet has become a sensation on the platform.
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Casa Di and Steve Terrell’s Path to Viral Success
The masterminds behind the viral clip, Casa Di (real name Carl Dixon) and Steve Terrell, are no strangers to creating hit content on TikTok. The duo gained fame last year with their track “One Margarita (Margarita Song),” which also originated from a TikTok sample.
Speaking to The New York Times, Terrell shared how they stumbled upon Vance’s 2016 interview. “We heard his voice, and it struck us as melodic in a way,” Terrell explained. The idea to combine Vance’s voice with a hip-hop beat quickly followed, leading to the creation of this viral sensation.
Casa Di added that the track was their first politically charged piece, spurred by the ongoing political environment as Kamala Harris began her campaign. “We wanted to find a way to engage people, make them aware of the political landscape, and encourage them to vote,” he said.
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Political Implications and TikTok’s Role in Modern Campaigns
The resurfacing of Vance’s old comments highlights the power of social media in shaping political narratives. What started as a casual interview comment has now become a talking point in the current political climate, raising questions about Vance’s loyalty and his evolving stance on Trump.
This viral moment also underscores TikTok’s growing influence in American politics. As the 2024 election approaches, more politicians are turning to the platform to reach younger voters. Notably, figures like Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Pete Buttigieg, and even Donald Trump have joined TikTok, hoping to sway public opinion.
However, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. The app is currently involved in a legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice, facing potential bans due to national security concerns. In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill that could force the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. TikTok has responded with a lawsuit, arguing that the bill violates the First Amendment by unfairly targeting the app.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been active on TikTok, has stated her opposition to an outright ban but has called for a change in ownership to address security concerns. “As the VP has said before, we don’t want to ban TikTok,” a spokesperson for Harris told NBC News. “We would just like to see a change in ownership.”
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The Bigger Picture
As JD Vance’s viral moment continues to gain traction, it serves as a reminder of how past statements can be resurrected in the digital age and how they can impact current political narratives. The incident also highlights the growing role of TikTok as a platform where political messages can spread quickly, influencing public opinion and voter behavior in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.