In a surprising turn of events, TikTok CEO Shou Chew will be seated among prominent guests at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

President-elect Trump's invitation to Shou Chew signals a potential policy shift regarding TikTok, as he reconsiders the divestment mandate imposed by legislation passed last year, as Fox News reports.

Shou Chew, TikTok's CEO, has been invited by President-elect Donald Trump to attend his inauguration on Jan. 20. This move comes as a marked change in Trump's previously adversarial stance towards the app, which he tried to block in 2020.

High-Profile Attendance Marks New Era

Chew is expected to accept the invitation and will be joining other tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, and Elon Musk on the dais. The seating arrangement places him in a position of significant prominence among leaders of the tech industry.

This invitation was confirmed by Fox News Digital, initially reported by The New York Times, highlighting its importance in political and tech industry circles.

Moreover, TikTok has announced plans to shut down its U.S. operations on Jan. 19, just a day before the inauguration, adding a layer of urgency and speculation around the discussions of its future in the U.S.

Trump Considers Delaying TikTok Divestment Requirement

Amidst this backdrop, President-elect Trump is contemplating an executive order that would temporarily suspend the enforcement of the law requiring TikTok to divest from its parent company, ByteDance. The suspension could last between 60 to 90 days.

Such a decision could provide a temporary reprieve for TikTok, allowing more time for negotiations or a reconsideration of the app's operational strategy in the U.S.

The law mandating TikTok's sale was passed last year due to national security concerns over alleged espionage by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Trump's previous administration attempted to enforce the app's sale to a U.S. entity.

Supreme Court Reviews TikTok Challenge

The Supreme Court reviewed a challenge to this law, deciding on Friday to uphold the ban requirement.

This legal backdrop makes the timing of Trump's invitation to Chew even more significant, indicating possible shifts in policy and attitude towards TikTok and its Chinese ownership.

Interest in TikTok's U.S. operations extends beyond legal circles, with several U.S. billionaires, including Elon Musk and Kevin O'Leary, reportedly keen on acquiring its assets.

Trump's Broader Diplomatic Efforts with China

Trump's outreach to Chew is part of a broader diplomatic effort, which includes an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who, however, is not expected to attend the inauguration.

Despite ongoing concerns over hacking attributed to China, Trump has expressed a more diplomatic approach towards the country in recent times. "We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship," Trump remarked in a recent interview with CNBC.

He also met with TikTok executives at Mar-a-Lago, stating, "I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok," acknowledging his 14 million followers on the platform.

Potential Economic Measures Looming

Amid these diplomatic engagements, Trump has hinted at imposing significant tariffs on Chinese exports, potentially up to 60%, reflecting ongoing tensions despite the current diplomatic outreach.

This complex mix of diplomacy and economic strategy underscores Trump's multifaceted approach to China in his upcoming term.

Pam Bondi, who has been nominated to serve as attorney general in Trump's upcoming administration, notably declined to comment on the enforcement of the TikTok ban during her confirmation hearing. This adds another layer of anticipation to the unfolding policy narrative.