“TikTok” CEO Steps Down as Trump’s Administration Doubts over National Security

TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer has announced his resignation from the company after being pressured by the U.S. government on its tie to China.

 

Just a few months after the appointment of the new CEO, Kevin Mayer has stepped down from the CEO position after the company sustained pressure from the Trump administration over its ties to China, which could cause a national security threat.

The app was owned by the Chinese internet company ByteDance. Being forced to sell its U.S. business by September 15, 2020, or the app could be banned in the U.S. Now, the U.S. companies are competing to be its owner.

“In recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require, and what it means for the global role I signed up for. Against this backdrop, and as we expect to reach a resolution very soon, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company,” Mayer said in a letter to employees.

“I understand that the role that I signed up for—including running TikTok globally—will look very different as a result of the US Administration’s action to push for a sell off of the US business,” he added.

“We appreciate that the political dynamics of the last few months have significantly changed what the scope of Kevin’s role would be going forward, and fully respect his decision. We thank him for his time at the company and wish him well,” a TikTok spokesperson told CNBC.

TikTok’s U.S. general manager Vanessa Pappas will be the interim global head at the company.