TikTok's fate remains uncertain as Trump's potential cabinet members express conflicting views on the platform's future in the United States. While Trump initially supported banning TikTok, he later shifted his stance after joining the platform, telling users to "vote Trump" to save TikTok.

Several key cabinet picks support maintaining the ban:

• Brendan Carr (FCC Chair nominee) prioritizes reigning in Big Tech, including TikTok
• John Ratcliffe (CIA nominee) considers TikTok a national security threat
• Karoline Leavitt (Press Secretary) criticizes TikTok's influence on American youth
• Michael Waltz (National Security Adviser pick) supports the ban, citing data security concerns
• Marco Rubio (Secretary of State nominee) has consistently opposed TikTok since 2019
• Kristi Noem (Homeland Security nominee) banned TikTok in South Dakota as Governor

However, some cabinet picks oppose the ban:

• Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence nominee) criticizes the forced sale legislation
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Health and Human Services nominee) argues the ban would harm young American entrepreneurs
• Elon Musk, though not a cabinet pick, opposes the ban citing freedom of speech concerns

TikTok executives believe a Trump presidency might help them avoid the January 2025 ban, despite Project 2025 (the incoming administration's playbook) labeling TikTok as a "tool of Chinese espionage" and recommending its prohibition. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has reportedly sought advice from Elon Musk regarding the potential ban.

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