TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social app with 170 million American users, finds itself in a precarious dance to secure its future in the United States. The looming threat of a federal ban unless it is sold to a non-Chinese owner has pushed TikTok into an elaborate display of flattery towards President-elect Donald J. Trump.
In recent times, various tech leaders and companies have sought ways to cozy up to Mr. Trump for their own benefits. From high-profile visits at Mar-a-Lago to generous donations to his inaugural fund, these gestures aim to gain favor with the incoming president. However, TikTok has taken a more direct approach by repeatedly name-checking and thanking Mr. Trump publicly for his support.
The app’s CEO, Shou Chew, went as far as filming a personal video expressing gratitude to President Trump and even mentioning his supposed TikTok account – all part of an effort to stay in the good graces of the administration amidst uncertain times.
### Seeking Lifelines in Flattery
According to Anupam Chander, a professor specializing in law and technology at Georgetown University, TikTok’s overt attempts at pleasing the authorities highlight the critical nature of their relationship with President Trump.
“TikTok is seeking the president’s favor because their very existence in this country depends on him,”
Chander explained.
The company’s strategic moves underscore its desperation amid regulatory challenges and increasing scrutiny over data privacy concerns tied to its Chinese origins.
### Uncertain Future Despite Promises
While Mr. Trump has made promises about extending deadlines for ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) to sell off its U.S. operations, there are doubts about whether he can fulfill these declarations given existing legal constraints.
Despite public displays of affection towards saving TikTok from potential oblivion under the ban stipulations, uncertainties loom large regarding how far presidential influence can go in altering regulatory outcomes that impact global tech giants like TikTok.
As stakeholders await further developments on this unfolding saga between political power plays and corporate survival strategies, one thing remains certain: TikTok’s efforts exemplify how businesses navigate turbulent waters where governmental approval holds the key to their continued existence.
