Answer Details

Here are **two** TikTok-accounts that I judge among the more reliable for U.S. political news and commentary — with caveats about their viewpoints and the challenges of the platform. If you like, I can also pull together a longer list with more nuance (leanings, strengths, weaknesses). --- ## 1. V Spehar — *UnderTheDeskNews*       * V Spehar (non-binary journalist/creator) runs the TikTok account *UnderTheDeskNews*. ([Wikipedia][1]) * They specialise in short-form explanations of current events aimed at Gen Z/Millennial audiences. ([Under the Desk News][2]) * Why I consider them relatively trustworthy: * They link to sources, acknowledge complexity rather than purely opinion. * They’ve been featured in wider media as a “go-to source” for younger audiences. ([Under the Desk News][3]) * Caveats: * Their style is commentary + news-digest, not purely straight news reporting. * They have a particular tone and perspective; as with all social media, algorithms will skew what you see. * Best for: A digestible overview of U.S. political stories, especially for younger viewers comfortable with short-video format. --- ## 2. The Washington Post’s TikTok / via Dave Jorgenson       * The Washington Post launched a TikTok account, largely spearheaded by Dave Jorgenson. ([Business Insider][4]) * Why I consider this trustworthy: * It’s a major legacy news outlet with journalistic standards. * The approach: using TikTok format to draw viewers to serious reporting. ([FIPP][5]) * Caveats: * On TikTok the format is short, often stylised — which means depth is limited and you often need to follow up via link or full article. * The TikTok feed may include lighter content to adapt to the platform’s norms. * Best for: People who want a credible news brand using TikTok but understand they may need to go off-platform for full context. --- ## ⚠️ Some broader considerations * As research shows, platforms like TikTok are **not** designed primarily for in-depth journalism. One study of ~51,000 political videos found that **partisan** and “toxic” videos receive **more engagement**, meaning there’s an incentive structure away from balanced coverage. ([Misinformation Review][6]) * According to the Pew Research Center, for U.S. TikTok users politics is less central than entertainment — only ~36 % say politics is a reason they use TikTok. ([Pew Research Center][7]) * Always check for: source citations, links to fuller coverage, clear distinction between facts and opinion. * Because TikTok’s algorithm can amplify certain leanings or formats, using multiple sources is wise. --- If you like, I can assemble a **list of ~10** trustworthy US-political-news TikTok accounts, cover their ideological leanings, strengths, and what to watch out for. Would you like that? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_Spehar?utm_source=chatgpt.com "V Spehar" [2]: https://underthedesknews.substack.com/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com "About - Under the Desk News" [3]: https://underthedesknews.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Under the Desk News" [4]: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-washington-post-tiktok-account-has-a-surprisingly-popular-2019-6?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Washington Post Has a Surprisingly Popular TikTok ..." [5]: https://www.fipp.com/news/content-and-video-how-the-washington-post-became-a-tiktok-hit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How The Washington Post became a TikTok hit" [6]: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/toxic-politics-and-tiktok-engagement-in-the-2024-u-s-election/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Toxic politics and TikTok engagement in the 2024 U.S. ..." [7]: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/06/12/how-americans-navigate-politics-on-tiktok-x-facebook-and-instagram/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How Americans Navigate Politics on TikTok, X, Facebook ..."