'We need to win elections': Vivek Ramaswamy defends joining TikTok after criticizing addictive social media apps

GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy defended his decision at Wednesday's debate to join TikTok earlier this month, saying he was making a bid for youth voters.

Fox Business Network host Stuart Varney asked the entrepreneur why he decided to join the Chinese-owned platform that has been banned on federal government devices.

"I have a radical idea for the Republican Party. We need to win elections. Part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are," Ramaswamy said.

The pharmaceutical founder said the only way the country could declare independence from China is if the Republican party wins the presidential election and added that he is the only candidate of the political party who emphasizes "waking up people."

GOP rival Nikki Haley said during the debate she found Ramaswamy's justification for using the platform "infuriating.

"TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps," Haley said. "Honestly every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you said."

Haley, a former South Carolina governor, said the 150 million U.S. TikTok users are susceptible to having their contacts, emails and financial information stolen.

Ramaswamy has criticized the use of addictive social media apps for young Americans, including during Wednesday's broadcast.

The two candidates also clashed over foreign policy, specifically Russia’s war against Ukraine, after Ramaswamy said the candidates need to "level with the American people" on the issue.

“Just because…Putin’s an evil dictator does not mean that Ukraine is good,” he said, referencing the country’s ban on 11 political parties with ties to Russia.

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"A win for Russia is a win for China,” she said interrupting him. "But I forgot you like China."

Ramaswamy quipped back saying it would be more productive for the party to have a legitimate conversation rather than "hurling personal insults"

In the collaboration posted on Sept. 13, Ramaswamy and influencer Jake Paul are seen dancing together with text claiming he is one of the only politicians trying to connect with the younger generation. Paul credited himself as the reason Ramaswamy joined the platform in a separate video posted the next day.

"Getting Vivek on Tik Tok because i believe our politicians of the future should connect with gen z and milennials on social where we all live and breathe. Its bizarre that in this day and age our presidents have no connection with us via social. Only the occasional tweets. Meet @Vivek Ramaswamy," Paul wrote in the video's description.

Ramaswamy's account has posted eight videos and amassed over 50,000 followers since starting his account.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vivek Ramaswamy defends TikTok video with Jake Paul at GOP debate