TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, Reached Out To Elon Musk For Advice On Policy Trends And The Incoming Trump Administration

TikTok has been facing immense pressure lately, especially with the growing concerns of parents and even regulatory authorities on the platform’s adverse impact on young children. It faced quite a few challenges in the US specifically, with the constant threat of a potential ban due to ByteDance’s headquarters being based in China and raising some serious privacy concerns. Now, reports are coming in about the CEO of TikTok seeking advice from Elon Musk about establishing itself and getting more insights into the incoming Trump administration.

TikTok’s CEO is seeking Elon Musk’s expertise in navigating challenges and as a link to President-elect Donald Trump

TikTok has been facing challenges in establishing itself in the US, and ByteDance being based in China has only added fuel to the fire. Administrations are considering banning the platform due to a potential security threat. Now, according to a Wall Street Journal report, the company’s CEO, Shou Chew, is seeking Elon Musk’s help in navigating its way through and as a potential link to the Trump administration.

Sources have confirmed that Shou Chew reached out to Elon Musk in recent weeks for guidance, whom he has known for several years. The specific communication was amidst the ongoing pressure the company is facing. The reason for seeking guidance from Elon Musk is his extensive experience in the industry, familiarity with tech policies, and experience running several businesses in the US.

Chew intends to get more insights into the incoming administration and the steps needed to improve its position and sustain its operations in the US. ByteDance executives are said to have been kept in the loop and hopeful of the efforts’ positive outcome. Elon Musk has expertise in business matters and a link to President-elect Trump, making him a valuable advisor when it comes to such matters. Musk has been said to play a vital role in the discussions regarding the administration transition as he has been spending time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate since the election.

TikTok saw trouble in paradise back when a law was signed by President Biden that required ByteDance to diversify its US operations or face a ban, but the company has been fighting against the legislation, suggesting it violates the user’s free speech rights. Those in favor of the law suggest that it is vital for the company to abide by the law to protect Americans from any interference from the Chinese government. Despite TikTok maintaining that the app operations would not be under any directives from outside the US, the issue still persists. Now, with the recent efforts, things might ease up for TikTok especially with Elon Musk being a key to the Trump administration.