Silke Mayr Donald Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on Monday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, as the popular platform faces a looming U.S. ban. The meeting comes during TikTok’s legal battle to delay enforcement of a law requiring its sale or shutdown by January 19, 2025. CBS News first reported the meeting, citing unnamed sources.
Legal and Political Tensions
A recently passed law demands ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the platform or face a ban. U.S. officials argue that ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese government pose a national security risk, a claim both ByteDance and TikTok deny. Lawmakers who authored the legislation assert that it protects Americans from foreign adversary-controlled apps.
TikTok filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking a delay in the ban’s enforcement. The company argues that this “modest delay” would allow the incoming administration to reassess the situation and avoid “immediate irreparable harm” to millions of its users.
Despite TikTok’s efforts, a federal appeals court recently upheld the law, citing bipartisan support and endorsements from successive U.S. presidents.
Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok
Trump’s position on TikTok has evolved since his earlier support for banning the platform. At a Monday press conference, Trump acknowledged his growing connection with younger voters, partly attributed to his TikTok presence. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points,” he said, referring to his improved performance among voters aged 18 to 29.
While most young voters supported Kamala Harris in November, Trump’s TikTok following surged after he launched an account in June, quickly gaining millions of followers. This connection has added a new dimension to his approach to the platform.
Trump also suggested that a TikTok ban could indirectly benefit Facebook, a platform he has criticized for its role in the 2020 election. His remarks hint at a more nuanced view of TikTok’s place in the digital landscape.
What’s Next for TikTok?
TikTok’s future remains uncertain as the legal and political battles continue. The Supreme Court has yet to decide on the emergency application, leaving the company, its users, and its executives in a state of suspense.
As Trump’s second term begins on January 20, one day after TikTok’s sale or ban deadline, his administration’s stance could significantly impact the platform’s fate. Whether TikTok survives or exits the U.S. market will likely depend on a combination of legal rulings, political negotiations, and the evolving priorities of the incoming administration.
For now, TikTok’s legal team continues to fight, emphasizing its role as a major platform for speech and creative expression while seeking relief from the courts. Meanwhile, the debate over national security, free speech, and foreign influence remains at the forefront of the tech and political landscapes.