TikTok CEO Seeks Elon Musk's Advice Ahead of Trump Administration

TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, seeks advice from Elon Musk on U.S. matters ahead of the Trump administration. Discussions between Musk and Chew have not yet focused on specific measures to maintain TikTok's operations in the U.S. ByteDance executives had engaged with individuals close to both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris before the U.S. election.

Credit: AP

Musk, known for his role as Tesla CEO, has been a close adviser to President-elect Donald Trump. Chew initiated conversations with Musk in recent weeks, seeking his insights on various topics, including the incoming administration and potential tech policies.

Both Musk and Chew have not yet discussed specific strategies to ensure TikTok's operations in the United States. However, Chew has been keeping ByteDance's senior leadership informed about the discussions, with executives cautiously optimistic about finding a way forward.

Before the U.S. election, ByteDance executives had been exploring various avenues, meeting with individuals close to both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Despite Trump's previous attempts to ban TikTok in 2020, he had expressed that if elected in November, he would not support banning the platform.

Elon Musk, TikTok, ByteDance, and the Trump administration have not responded immediately to requests for comments from Reuters. The Journal noted that discussions between Musk and Chew have not yet delved into specific measures to ensure TikTok's continued operation in the U.S.

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• TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, seeks advice from Elon Musk on U.S. matters ahead of the Trump administration.

• Discussions between Musk and Chew have not yet focused on specific measures to maintain TikTok's operations in the U.S.

• ByteDance executives had engaged with individuals close to both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris before the U.S. election.

Source: REUTERS