TikTok CEO sought Elon Musk’s input ahead of Trump administration, WSJ reports
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TikTok chief Chew Shou Zi (left) messaged billionaire Elon Musk to seek his opinion on topics ranging from the incoming Trump administration to potential tech policy, said the Wall Street Journal report.
PHOTOS: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - ByteDance-owned TikTok chief executive officer Chew Shou Zi has sought input on US matters from Mr Elon Musk, a close adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported on Nov 23, citing people familiar with the matter.
Mr Chew initiated messages with the Tesla CEO in recent weeks and asked for his opinions on topics ranging from the incoming administration to potential tech policy, the report added.
Mr Musk, TikTok, ByteDance and the Trump administration did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.
Both executives have not discussed specific measures to keep TikTok running in the United States, the Journal reported, adding that Mr Chew has kept ByteDance’s senior leadership informed of the talks, with executives cautiously optimistic about finding a way forward.
ByteDance executives had been hedging their bets before the US election, meeting with people close to Trump and with people close to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, the report added.
Trump, who unsuccessfully tried to ban TikTok in 2020, has said if elected in November he would not allow TikTok to be barred. REUTERS
