“ In recent weeks, when the political environment has changed dramatically, I seriously thought about where corporate structural change will lead, and what it means for my global role. Against this backdrop, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to inform all of you of my decision to leave the company, ”Mayer wrote in an email that was sent to TikTok employees.

The CEO’s resignation underscores the hardships TikTok has faced amid escalating U.S.-China relations. US officials have focused on tech companies that they believe are partnering with the Chinese government and posing a threat to US national security.

This month, US President Donald Trump signed a decree to ban TikTok in the country if ByteDance does not sell the American portion of the service within 90 days. Potential buyers include companies such as Microsoft and Oracle, and the potential deal is estimated at between $ 20 billion and $ 50 billion. At the same time, TikTok sued the US government, accusing it of depriving the service of due process by forcing a sale. on the basis of a presidential order.

Following Mayer’s departure from his post, Vanessa Pappas, who holds the position of general manager of TikTok in North America, will become the interim CEO of the popular service.