TikTok CEO Shou Chew to Attend Trump Inauguration Amid App's Uncertain Future

Jimmy Jing

16 Jan 2025 — 1 min read

As the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, has intentions to participate in the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump, scheduled for Monday. This participation comes during a highly precarious time for the social media application, often criticized and celebrated by different factions.

An Unlikely Line-up of Attendees

Shou Chew will share the stage with other prominent tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk. Typically, this area is reserved for former presidents and noteworthy guests, highlighting the significance of Chew’s presence at the event.

Trump's Shift in Stance on TikTok

Despite Trump's previous calls to ban TikTok during his first presidential term, his stance took a notable turn during his 2024 campaign. Trump changed his narrative, promising to protect TikTok if he were elected president again. According to Trump, the platform facilitated significant engagement with his content and helped him connect with younger audiences, which may explain the softened stance.

Impending Supreme Court Decision

The timing of Chew’s attendance is crucial, as TikTok faces a looming shutdown in the U.S., with the decisive action expected from the Supreme Court soon. The court's decision, anticipated to be announced in the coming days, will determine the legality of a law that could effectively halt TikTok operations in the country by January 19.

President Trump has already intervened by requesting the Supreme Court to hold off implementing the ban, reflecting the platform's pivotal role in his digital outreach strategy. Chew’s presence at the inauguration can be seen as a strategic move, emphasizing the potential impact of upcoming judicial decisions on both the tech sector and political engagements involving younger demographics.

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