TikTok CEO resigns amid battle with White House

TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigned on Wednesday amid mounting uncertainty over the Chinese-owned video app’s future in the United States.

Mayer, who had only been with the company since May, said in a note to employees, which was obtained by The Hill, that a series of changes to TikTok’s structure had prompted him to step down from his post. The move comes just weeks after President Trump signed an executive order that would effectively ban the wildly popular social media app from operating in the U.S. unless it finds a U.S.-based 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,” Mayer said in the note. “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.”

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

The Financial Times first reported on Mayer’s resignation. Vanessa Pappas, general manager of TikTok in North America, will move into his role on an interim basis, Mayer said in his note.

TikTok said in a statement to The Hill that it appreciated “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.”