- TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked President-elect Trump for supporting efforts to keep the app in the U.S.
- The Biden administration delayed enforcing the ban, leaving the decision to Trump after his inauguration.
- Apple and Oracle face potential penalties if the TikTok ban proceeds, but their plans remain unclear.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump on Friday for his support in keeping the app available to U.S. users, following a Supreme Court decision upholding a law banning the platform. In his first public remarks since the ruling, Chew shared a hopeful yet cautious tone.
A Thank You to Trump
In a TikTok video, Chew thanked Trump for his willingness to collaborate on a solution, describing it as “a stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.” He added, “We’re pleased to have the support of a president who understands TikTok’s power to connect people,” referencing Trump’s use of the app to share content that amassed over 60 billion views.
Ban Delayed, Uncertainty Ahead
The Biden administration deferred enforcing the TikTok ban, leaving the decision to Trump, who has yet to announce his course of action. While Trump acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling on Truth Social, he stated he would need time to evaluate the situation, urging Americans to “stay tuned.”
Despite uncertainty, Chew is set to attend Trump’s inauguration alongside other tech leaders. TikTok, however, is reportedly preparing for the possibility of “going dark” if enforcement begins.
Tech Giants on the Hook
If the ban is enforced, companies like Apple and Oracle—key facilitators of TikTok’s U.S. operations—could face penalties. Neither has clarified their plans, leaving TikTok’s future in the United States hanging in the balance as the Sunday deadline looms.
Trump’s evolving stance on TikTok, from attempting a ban in his first term to becoming an active user during his campaign, has introduced unexpected twists, making the app’s fate as unpredictable as ever.
