Trump Meets TikTok CEO Amid Looming Ban
President-elect Donald Trump met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on Monday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Sources confirmed the meeting amid TikTok’s legal fight to delay a US ban.
A new US law demands TikTok’s sale or ban by January 19, 2025. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, faces pressure to sell TikTok. TikTok filed an emergency Supreme Court request to delay the ban’s enforcement.
Security Concerns and Political Reactions
US officials claim ByteDance’s links to the Chinese government pose security risks. ByteDance and TikTok deny these claims. Supporters of the ban argue it protects US national security from foreign-controlled apps.
Trump, who previously supported banning TikTok, now opposes it. He argues a ban could benefit Facebook, which he blames for his 2020 loss. His second term starts January 20, one day after TikTok’s ban deadline.
TikTok’s court filing asks for a “modest delay” to allow review by the Court and the next administration. TikTok argues it’s a major speech platform in the US and warns the ban would cause “immediate irreparable harm” to TikTok and its users.
A federal appeals court recently denied TikTok’s request to overturn the ban. The court stated the law reflects bipartisan Congressional action supported by successive US presidents.
During a press conference on Monday, Trump suggested his administration would review TikTok’s case. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, because I won youth by 34 points,” Trump said. He credited TikTok’s influence for this support shift.
Most voters aged 18 to 29 supported Kamala Harris in November’s election. However, Trump’s support among young voters grew compared to 2020. Trump’s TikTok presence, launched in June, quickly amassed millions of followers during his campaign.