TikTok Team Cook And CEO Attend Trump's Inauguration After Donations And Honorary Invitations

Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, along with a number of other major executives in the tech sector, will attend the inauguration of the US President to establish good relations with the new government and avoid potential regulations and detrimental rates. Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is also rumored to be attending the inauguration as an honorary guest, according to a report from The New York Times.

Unlike previous approaches, the direct presence of the CEOs became the main strategy in this era. According to a report from Bloomberg, Cook will join figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos in the event. This happened after a report stating that Cook donated 1 million US dollars (Rp 16.3 billion) from his personal pocket for this inauguration, while Apple itself has not made any donations.

In addition, Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, received an invitation to sit on the place of honor on the main stage of the inauguration, a location usually intended for former presidents, family members, and other important guests. This step indicates that TikTok is also trying to strengthen relations with the new government, in the midst of the spotlight on the application regarding data security issues.

Cook and other leaders learned from previous experience with Donald Trump that direct interaction is the best way to maintain good relations. However, this strategy is not without risk, as each move can have unexpected consequences. Even so, not participating is at all considered a more dangerous option.

Amid growing regulations against tech companies, such as Google Search to Apple's App Store, this move is an effort to ease pressure. Cook seems to be trying to keep Apple from getting too directly involved, by using personal donations as a way to protect companies from negative attention, although some shareholders propose a more open approach.

Other technology companies use different strategies to get the attention of the new government. For example, Meta has removed the policy of fact-checking, diversity and inclusion (DEI), as well as several other safeguards on the grounds of supporting "free speech," which is in line with the agenda of certain political parties.

Meanwhile, Cook chose a calmer approach. He congratulated Trump on social media, attended a dinner, and kept Apple from getting directly involved in politics. This move is part of a carefully designed strategy.

On the other hand, the presence of Shou Zi Chew on the honor stage shows a significant step by TikTok to establish good relations with the government, especially amid US concerns regarding the management of user data by the app.

It is not yet certain whether the efforts made by Cook, law, and other leaders will bear fruit. Rumors denied by the European Union stated that the delay in granting fines to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) occurred due to Trump's influence, and similar measures may occur in the future.

With the increasing spotlight on massive donations, honorary invitations, and efforts to build this good relationship, technology executives hope to avoid tougher regulations during the term of office of this new government.