TikTok CEO to attend inauguration with front row seat at Trump’s invite

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is set to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, joining other tech executives like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk in the front and center on the dais. This comes as TikTok plans to halt operations in the U.S. the day before the inauguration.

In a surprising turn of events, Trump is considering an executive order to delay enforcement of the law that requires TikTok to divest from Chinese-owned ByteDance or face a ban in the U.S. This move would provide more time for negotiations on a potential sale or alternative resolution. This marks a shift from Trump’s previous stance in 2020 when he sought to block TikTok in the U.S. and push for its sale to an American company.

Trump’s recent defense of TikTok comes after he expressed his fondness for the platform, where he has over 14 million followers. He even met with TikTok executives at Mar-a-Lago last month. Despite bipartisan support for the ban-or-sale policy passed by Congress last year, reports suggest that U.S. billionaires like Elon Musk and Kevin O’Leary are interested in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a challenge to the law set to take effect on January 19, with a decision expected soon. If upheld, TikTok’s presence in the U.S. could be in jeopardy. Trump may explore options like urging Congress to repeal the law or directing the Department of Justice not to enforce it. His attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, has not provided clarity on her stance on enforcing the ban.

In a surprising move, Trump has invited President Xi Jinping to his inauguration, although Xi is unlikely to attend. Despite ongoing cybersecurity concerns related to China, Trump appears to be taking a more diplomatic approach towards Xi and his government. He has hinted at maintaining a positive relationship with China and engaging in discussions with President Xi on various issues.

Overall, Trump’s evolving stance on TikTok and China reflects the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the challenges surrounding tech companies with Chinese ownership. As the inauguration approaches, the fate of TikTok and its operations in the U.S. remains uncertain, with potential implications for the broader tech industry and international trade relations.