TikTok CEO Shou Chew turns to Trump ally Elon Musk for insider knowledge on the upcoming administration’s tech policies, raising questions about the app’s future in America.
At a Glance
- TikTok CEO Shou Chew has consulted Elon Musk about Trump’s upcoming presidency
- TikTok is currently battling a potential ban under the Biden administration
- Trump has expressed intentions to “save TikTok” despite previous national security concerns
- Musk’s close relationship with Trump positions him as a key information source
- The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain amid changing political landscapes
TikTok’s Strategic Move: Consulting Musk on Trump’s Tech Policies
In a bold strategic maneuver, TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reached out to Elon Musk, seeking crucial insights into the tech policies of President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. Musk, a vocal Trump supporter with close ties to the former president, has become a vital conduit for ByteDance executives looking to navigate the complex political landscape that could determine TikTok’s fate in the United States.
This strategic consultation comes at a critical time for TikTok, as the company faces ongoing legal battles with the Biden administration over a directive that could potentially ban the app unless ByteDance divests control. The current administration’s concerns revolve around potential data access by the Chinese government and the app’s influence on American users.
Trump’s Ambivalent Stance on TikTok
Despite previously signing an executive order to ban TikTok, Trump has since adopted a more nuanced position on the popular social media platform. In recent statements, he has suggested that Congress should be the one to decide TikTok’s fate, acknowledging both national security concerns and the app’s popularity among young users.
“There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it. There are a lot of users. There’s a lot of good and there’s a lot of bad with TikTok,” Trump said.
Trump’s recent joining of TikTok in June and his declaration to “save TikTok” upon taking office have further complicated the narrative. This shift in stance aligns with Trump’s campaign strategy to appeal to Gen Z voters, a demographic where TikTok holds significant sway.
After once calling crypto a “scam,” Trump’s recent comments on digital currencies reveal just how willing he is to embrace new technology when its obvious that it can help revolutionize the American economy and business in general.
Musk: The Trump Whisperer
Elon Musk’s role in this high-stakes game cannot be overstated. His endorsement of Trump and their close relationship, including stays at Mar-a-Lago and participation in calls with international leaders, position him as a key information source for TikTok’s leadership. Chew’s multiple contacts with Musk underscore the importance ByteDance places on understanding and potentially influencing the incoming administration’s tech policies.
While discussions between Chew and Musk have not included specific strategies for TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. if banned, the mere fact of these consultations highlights the high-stakes nature of TikTok’s predicament. The company’s lawsuit against the Biden administration, citing First Amendment rights, further complicates the legal and political landscape.
As the transition to Trump’s second term approaches, the future of TikTok in the United States remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Let’s see what happens.
