TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to Attend Trump’s Inauguration Amid Controversy

The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, is reportedly set to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, according to sources cited by The New York Times. This development comes as the popular social media platform faces a federal ban in the United States.

A Seat of Honor

Shou Zi Chew has received an invitation to sit on the dais, a position traditionally reserved for former presidents, family members, and other distinguished guests. The gesture has sparked discussions, given the ongoing scrutiny surrounding TikTok’s operations in the US.

Neither TikTok nor its Chinese parent company ByteDance has commented on the matter.

TikTok’s Popularity and Challenges

With over 170 million users in the United States and projected revenues of $20 billion in 2025, TikTok remains a dominant player in the social media landscape, especially among younger demographics and advertisers. However, the platform’s future in the country hangs in the balance due to escalating political tensions and regulatory challenges.

The federal government has mandated the sale of TikTok’s US operations by January 19, as outlined in a law signed by outgoing President Joe Biden. Failure to comply could lead to a nationwide ban.

A Race Against Time

Unless a last-minute intervention occurs, TikTok plans to shut down its US operations on Sunday, insiders revealed. However, reports suggest that President-elect Trump is exploring the possibility of an executive order to delay enforcement of the shutdown by 60 to 90 days.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, is deliberating whether to uphold the law mandating the sale or ban, or to grant a temporary pause to allow further review.

A Political Resolution?

President-elect Trump has expressed interest in finding a “political resolution” to the TikTok issue after assuming office. His administration’s stance contrasts with that of the Biden administration, which pushed for ByteDance to divest its US assets.

The Washington Post has reported that Trump’s potential executive order could provide temporary relief, although the legal framework for such a move remains unclear.

What Lies Ahead

As the deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok’s US operations remains uncertain. The platform’s immense popularity underscores its cultural significance, but the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and China have turned it into a contentious issue.

Shou Zi Chew’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration adds a new layer to the story, raising questions about TikTok’s strategy to navigate its challenges in one of its largest markets.

As legal battles and political negotiations unfold, TikTok’s future in the United States remains in limbo, with millions of users and advertisers awaiting clarity.