In a surprising twist, notable tech executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, are set to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Adding to this list is Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, amid growing uncertainties surrounding the app’s future in the United States.
The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the fate of TikTok, with a potential ruling that could lead to 170 million Americans losing access to the platform. If the court affirms the ban, similar to previous rulings, it would take effect on Sunday, January 19.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of the ban remains uncertain. While users may not experience immediate disruptions, the distribution and updates of the app by stores like Apple and Google could face penalties from the government. Sources indicate that U.S. TikTok users may encounter a notification directing them to a website detailing the ban unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
Reports suggest that the invitation for Chew to attend the inauguration was extended by the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, marking a significant shift in Trump’s stance toward TikTok. In 2020, Trump attempted to impose a ban on the app through an executive order, which ultimately proved ineffective. Recently, he appeared to display a more welcoming attitude, having met with TikTok executives at Mar-a-Lago in December and expressing intentions to “save TikTok” during his campaign.
