TikTok launched a high-stakes outreach campaign to President Donald Trump following a brief service interruption and a Supreme Court decision that could force its sale or ban in the United States.

Image Credits: Politico

The platform shut down U.S. operations for less than 24 hours over the weekend, restoring service on Sunday, January 19, after Trump promised to provide the company a reprieve. The shutdown came after the Supreme Court upheld a law that would require TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or cease operating in the country.

As POLITICO reports, CEO Shou Chew has emerged as the public face of TikTok’s response, attending pre-inauguration prayers and releasing a direct message to Trump via the platform. “We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform,” Chew said in his TikTok post, adding there is “more to come.”

Financial Support and Strategic Engagement

The company is backing its diplomatic efforts with financial support, contributing $50,000 to a party celebrating Gen Z Trump supporters and key social media allies. Co-sponsored by Kalshi and the American Conservation Coalition, the event attracted notable attendees, including Trump campaign adviser Alex Bruesewitz, Republican activist Scott Presler, former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and boxer Scott McGregor.

TikTok’s strategy includes direct engagement with Trump’s team regarding potential solutions. Sources familiar with private discussions told POLITICO that conversations focused on addressing privacy and data security concerns highlighted in the Supreme Court’s decision. 

Trump has proposed a joint venture structure with 50% U.S. ownership, though this arrangement faces legal scrutiny.

Creator Community Feels the Impact

The platform’s influence on content creators became evident during the service interruption. “I wouldn’t be here without this,” said TikTok creator Chelly, who produces Vivek Ramaswamy impressions. “All of a sudden the [app] shut down and then all of the sudden it came back all in one weekend.”

Trump publicly acknowledged TikTok’s significance, stating at a Capital One Arena rally on January 19, “We need to save TikTok because we’re talking about a tremendous audience that goes to TikTok.”

Political Moves

The company’s weekend activities included hosting Trump-aligned influencers in a suite at a Washington Capitals hockey game and issuing multiple statements crediting Trump for providing “clarity and assurance” to service providers regarding potential penalties.

These developments follow reports that Trump’s advisers have discussed the possibility of an executive order to preserve the app’s U.S. operations after his inauguration.