TikTok CEO Speaks Out as Ban Looms, Thanks Trump for Support Despite His Role in Spearheading the Ban

As the clock ticks toward a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, the app’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has publicly thanked President-elect Donald Trump for his efforts to keep the platform legal in the country. In a video message posted on TikTok following a Supreme Court decision that upheld the law threatening the app, Chew expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment to finding a resolution.

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“On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, 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.”

The Supreme Court ruling requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership of the app by Sunday, January 19, or face a ban on distribution and hosting in the U.S. The ruling, tied to national security concerns over TikTok’s data practices, allows for fines of $5,000 per user for companies that continue to distribute or host the app.

Trump, who joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and has amassed 14.8 million followers, hinted at potential action in a post on Truth Social: “The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”

Chew is set to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20 and will reportedly hold a position of honor during the ceremony. Trump has indicated his intention to explore solutions, including a possible executive order to pause enforcement of the ban. However, legal experts question whether he has the authority to halt the law.

The law, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, reflects concerns over TikTok’s relationship with the Chinese government and its handling of user data. Trump, however, has positioned himself as a potential savior for the platform, citing its influence on young voters. At a press conference in December, he remarked, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok” and credited the app for helping to mobilize young voters during his campaign.

Tech companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle, which are integral to TikTok’s distribution and data hosting in the U.S., have not commented on whether they will comply with the ban. Industry analysts suggest that uncertainty around Trump’s promised resolution may make these companies hesitant to take immediate action.

TikTok has not announced whether it will disable the app for U.S. users if the deadline is not met. Meanwhile, Trump has filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to delay the ban, arguing that his administration should be given time to negotiate a resolution that addresses national security concerns while preserving Americans’ First Amendment rights.