The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, is set to attend the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, amid the looming threat of a federal ban on his company. The ban, scheduled to take effect the day before the inauguration, is a result of bipartisan legislation passed in the previous year, which targets concerns over data privacy and national security.
Chew’s invitation to the inauguration came from the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, which also invited other tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. His attendance is particularly significant, as TikTok’s future in the U.S. is uncertain, with the app facing increasing scrutiny due to its Chinese ownership. The bipartisan push for the ban is supported by both Democrats, who are concerned about data protection and content for minors, and Republicans, who view the app as a security risk.
However, President-elect Trump has voiced support for TikTok, citing its popularity among young Americans and his own success on the platform during the 2024 election. Once in office, Trump may take executive action to delay the ban, potentially allowing TikTok to remain operational in the U.S. This approach would also reflect the Biden Administration’s decision not to enforce the ban on January 19, leaving open the possibility for Trump to intervene in the future.
