TikTok is set to sponsor a $50,000 inauguration celebration on January 19, honoring social media influencers who supported Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. 

According to POLITICO, the “Power 30 Awards” event will take place at Washington’s Sax Restaurant and Lounge. The date aligns with the congressional deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations or face a potential nationwide ban.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend both the Power 30 Awards and Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Chew will reportedly be seated at the inaugural dais. 

Event organizer CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council, highlighted TikTok’s role as a platform for free speech: “TikTok is not a partisan platform, but what they are is a public square for free speech…committed to the free and fair exchange of ideas on their platform.”

The Power 30 Awards will feature prominent conservative influencers and personalities, including Trump’s campaign advisor Alex Bruesewitz as keynote speaker, influencers Bryce Hall and Rogan O’Handley (aka “DC Draino”), and a performance by rapper Waka Flocka Flame.

ByteDance Challenges Divestment Order Amid Cross-Party Scrutiny

TikTok’s sponsorship of the event coincides with ByteDance’s legal battle against the divestment mandate, which is currently under review by the Supreme Court. 

POLITICO notes that lawmakers from both parties are seeking a resolution to prevent TikTok’s ban. California Representative Ro Khanna and other Democrats have unsuccessfully lobbied for an extension of the deadline.

Representative Mike Waltz, Trump’s nominee for National Security Advisor, suggested a potential compromise. “We’re going to find a way to preserve [TikTok] but protect people’s data, and that’s the deal that will be in front of us,” Waltz said on Fox News.

Incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s stance on TikTok: “President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save TikTok, and there’s no better deal maker than Donald Trump.”

Event Sponsorship and Tech Industry Influence

Sponsorship packages for the Power 30 Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. In addition to TikTok, other sponsors include Kalshi, a company that recently appointed Donald Trump Jr. as a strategic advisor, and The American Conservation Coalition.

TikTok’s sponsorship is part of a broader effort by tech companies to build influence with the incoming administration. Notably, David Sacks, Trump’s “AI and Crypto Czar,” is hosting a separate Crypto Ball on January 17. The event celebrates anticipated pro-cryptocurrency regulations under Trump’s second term.