TikTok CEO expected to attend Trump inauguration as ban looms

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday as the company confronts a new law with a looming deadline requiring it to sell to a non-Chinese firm or stop operating in the United States, according to a source with knowledge of the inauguration plans.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is facing a dire situation in the U.S. after Congress passed legislation banning it in the U.S. unless there's a sale. The ban was framed as a national security issue. Lawmakers cited concerns about Chinese authorities having access to TikTok users' data.

Trump once criticized TikTok and tried to ban it during his first administration. He has since embraced the company, though, saying he has a "warm spot" for it and wants to "save" it.

Chew's appearance at the inauguration would be viewed as another sign that Trump favors TikTok. Chew is expected to have a prime seat at the inauguration with other VIP guests, including celebrities and foreign and business leaders. The New York Times first reported on Chew's inauguration plans.

Trump is considering an executive order that would allow TikTok to keep operating for 60 to 90 days after the Jan. 19 deadline to sell, according to media reports.

TikTok is hugely popular in the United States, with 170 million American users. Trump's campaign used TikTok as part of a robust social media strategy.

Asked for comment on the TikTok CEO's plans to attend the inauguration and Trump's plans for an executive order, Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt replied, “President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save Tik Tok, and there’s no better deal maker than Donald Trump."

TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expected to attend Donald Trump's inauguration