TikTok CEO Kisses Up to Trump Amid Ban

In a surprising turn of events, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew offered glowing praise for Donald Trump’s leadership following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on the popular social media app. The announcement has stirred discussions about censorship, free speech, and the role of big tech in shaping public discourse.

In a video statement, Chew directly credited Trump’s influence for keeping TikTok in the spotlight

“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” Chew said. “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”

Chew also highlighted Trump’s immense popularity on TikTok, referencing over 60 billion views generated by content related to the former president. “President Trump truly understands our platform and its power to connect people. His leadership has been instrumental,” he added.

@tiktok

Our response to the Supreme Court decision.

♬ original sound – TikTok

Trump, who has often been critical of Chinese-owned companies, notably softened his tone regarding TikTok in recent months. In a private December meeting with Chew, Trump reportedly shared, “I’ve always had a warm spot for TikTok—it’s a powerhouse for communication, and let’s face it, I’ve done pretty well there.”

The Biden administration, while supporting the Supreme Court’s decision, has deferred enforcement of the ban to Trump, fueling speculation about its future. This contrasts with Trump’s initial attempts to ban the app during his first term, citing national security concerns.

TikTok, once poised to “go dark” after January 19, now appears to have new life, with Trump’s potential intervention raising hopes among its users. Still, the platform’s fate remains uncertain.

Chew’s remarks come as Silicon Valley prepares for Trump’s second inauguration. High-profile tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to attend the event on Monday.

Musk, a staunch Trump ally, invested $500 million into the former president’s campaign, signaling a shift in Silicon Valley’s political leanings. Zuckerberg has also adjusted Meta’s policies, scaling back diversity initiatives and fact-checking operations.

While TikTok’s future is in flux, Chew’s efforts to align with Trump may signal a broader strategy for big tech: embracing Trump’s leadership to navigate uncertain political waters.

As one Republican strategist noted, “Trump’s understanding of media and tech makes him a unique figure in this debate. He’s not just playing politics—he’s shaping the game.”