In a strategic move to navigate TikTok’s uncertain future in the United States, ByteDance-owned TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has reportedly reached out to Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and a close adviser to President-elect Donald Trump.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Chew has sought Musk’s perspective on a range of issues, including the incoming administration’s tech policies and broader U.S. political dynamics.
The discussions between Chew and Musk come at a critical juncture for TikTok, which has faced mounting scrutiny in the United States over data privacy and national security concerns.
The Journal report, citing anonymous sources, suggests that the exchanges have not yet addressed specific measures to ensure TikTok’s continued operation in the U.S. However, ByteDance leadership is reportedly staying informed and cautiously optimistic about the dialogue’s potential outcomes.
Chew’s outreach to Musk is notable given Musk’s growing influence in shaping policy discussions under the Trump administration. Recently tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been instrumental in advising on matters of U.S. economic and technological reform.
While both Chew and Musk have yet to publicly comment on the nature or outcomes of their conversations, the engagement underscores the high stakes for TikTok as it seeks to secure its position in one of its largest markets.
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ByteDance has been playing a calculated game of diplomacy as it navigates political transitions in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal revealed that before the November election, ByteDance executives maintained parallel lines of communication with representatives close to both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. This hedging strategy aimed to prepare the company for potential shifts in policy regardless of the election’s outcome.
The stakes remain high for ByteDance, as TikTok has become a focal point of U.S.-China tensions. Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok in 2020 citing national security risks, has stated he would not pursue a ban during his second term.
However, the incoming administration is expected to enforce stricter scrutiny over Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, raising questions about data sovereignty and compliance.
This latest development revives memories of TikTok’s turbulent relationship with the Trump administration during its first term. In 2020, Trump signed an executive order seeking to ban TikTok unless its U.S. operations were sold to a domestic company. The order prompted lawsuits and a proposed deal involving Oracle and Walmart, which ultimately stalled.
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Though the Biden administration later revoked Trump’s order, concerns over the app’s data privacy practices have persisted, leading to bipartisan calls for increased regulation of foreign-owned technology companies.
As TikTok’s U.S. operations hang in the balance, Chew’s outreach to Musk may signal an effort to align with influential voices in the administration and shape a path forward. ByteDance is likely exploring ways to address regulatory concerns while preserving the app’s widespread appeal among American users.
The Trump administration’s evolving stance on TikTok and potential new tech policies will be pivotal in determining the company’s future. For now, TikTok remains a powerful social media platform in the U.S., but its long-term viability will depend on navigating a complex web of political, legal, and regulatory challenges.
With figures like Elon Musk playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping tech policy, the coming months will be critical for TikTok as it seeks to maintain its foothold in the highly competitive and politically charged U.S. market.