In the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew turned to none other than Elon Musk for advice on navigating the tumultuous regulatory landscape surrounding his company. According to The Wall Street Journal on November 23, 2024, Chew reached out to Musk, seeking his insights on how to maneuver through the incoming administration’s tech policies. This move underscores the high-stakes environment TikTok finds itself in as it faces the threat of a ban in the U.S. unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests by January 2025.
The timing of these discussions is crucial: In 2024, a new law was enacted requiring ByteDance to sever its ties with TikTok or face a complete shutdown of the app in the U.S. This follows ongoing national security concerns over data privacy and potential Chinese government influence. As the law’s January deadline nears, TikTok’s fate hinges on its ability to appease U.S. lawmakers and regulators, a task that has become more complicated under a possible Trump administration. Musk, whose deep ties to Trump have made him a key figure in tech policy, was seen as an invaluable ally for Chew, who likely hoped Musk’s influence could steer TikTok through the storm.
While the exact content of their conversations remains unclear, it is believed that Chew sought guidance on how to position TikTok in the face of possible new regulations. The Wall Street Journal reported that the talks were not focused on specific strategies to keep TikTok operational but were instead about understanding the broader regulatory environment. Despite the lack of concrete measures, ByteDance executives have expressed cautious optimism about finding a way forward, relying on Musk’s insights to align with the incoming administration’s likely tech policies, according to Reuters.
This move follows a history of scrutiny TikTok has faced in the U.S. During Trump’s first term, attempts to ban the app were blocked by legal challenges, but national security concerns have persisted. In the 2024 election, Trump shifted his position, signaling that he would allow TikTok to continue operating if he were re-elected, creating a more unpredictable landscape for TikTok. At the same time, TikTok’s competitors like Instagram and Snapchat are not facing the same regulatory hurdles, potentially giving them a competitive edge.
In the context of Musk’s influence, experts believe that his guidance could be crucial for TikTok, helping the company stay ahead of looming policy changes. However, some analysts have raised concerns about the potential conflicts of interest, given Musk’s ownership of X (formerly Twitter), which competes with TikTok. Even so, if Musk can leverage his influence with the Trump administration, it could lead to a more favorable regulatory environment for the popular app.
The story continues to unfold, with many wondering about how TikTok will adapt to these political pressures—and how Musk’s role in shaping tech policy will influence its future in the U.S.
