TikTok CEO sought Musk’s input ahead of Trump takeover, report says

ByteDance-owned TikTok Chief Executive Officer Chew Shou Zi has sought input on US matters from Elon Musk, a close adviser to US president-elect Donald Trump, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday citing people familiar with the matter.

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.

Elon 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 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.