Tech Giants' CEOs Secure Prime Seats at Trump's Inauguration, TikTok Chief Among Them
Tech CEOs including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and TikTok's Shou Chew will attend Trump's presidential inauguration from prominent positions on the dais, traditionally reserved for distinguished guests like former presidents and family members.
Shou Zi Chew at Trump inauguration
Photo Credit: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew by Lukasz Kobus / CC by 4.0
The invitation marks a significant shift in Trump's stance toward TikTok, which he previously attempted to ban during his first term. This reversal appears linked to Trump's belief that TikTok content helped boost his popularity among younger voters during his recent campaign.
The timing is particularly crucial as TikTok faces a potential US ban on January 19, following Congressional legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's US operations to an American company. However, the incoming administration has signaled potential support for the platform.
Mike Waltz, the incoming national security adviser, indicated on Fox News that Trump plans to preserve TikTok while addressing data security concerns. "TikTok itself is a fantastic platform," Waltz stated. "The algorithm is amazing. We're going to find a way to preserve it but protect people's data."
This shift in position follows a recent meeting between Trump and TikTok CEO Shou Chew at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, suggesting potential negotiations over the platform's future in the US market.
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