Grassley debuts on TikTok with tribute to beloved vacuum 'Beth'
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) launched a TikTok account on Wednesday, posting a video honoring his family's longtime vacuum named Beth, which had gained a following on his other social media platforms. The 92-year-old senator had previously criticized TikTok over data security concerns and advocated for divesting the platform from foreign control. The vacuum was retired in August after it began sparking at the power cord.
Grassley’s debut video pairs a nostalgic montage of the aging Hoover with a pop ballad, a tone that contrasts sharply with his prior warnings about TikTok’s data practices. The senator had called for the app’s divestment from Chinese ownership in 2024, yet now uses the platform to reach younger constituents. His second post, featuring a Dairy Queen milkshake, nods to a 2014 social media moment, signaling a continued effort to blend personal quirks with political outreach. The vacuum, retired after a cord spark, had become a recurring character in his online persona.
This move may soften Grassley’s image among younger users who primarily know him as a critic of the platform, potentially complicating his party’s broader stance on TikTok. It could also normalize political engagement on a service many lawmakers still distrust, influencing how other aging politicians approach digital outreach. However, the impact remains limited, as the tribute’s novelty may overshadow any policy shift, leaving his security concerns unchanged.