Kevin Mayer, CEO of TikTok, has resigned less than four months after assuming the role, a shocking move prompted by intensifying political pressures and the company’s looming sale of its U.S. business. A TikTok spokesperson confirmed that the evolving political climate had significantly reshaped Mayer’s responsibilities, leading to his decision, one the company said it fully respects.

Mayer, who joined TikTok in May following a celebrated tenure at The Walt Disney Company where he oversaw the highly successful Disney+ launch was tasked with driving ByteDance’s global development in sectors like music, gaming, and emerging technologies. However, the sustained political scrutiny, particularly from the Trump administration, forced him to reconsider his future with the company.

In a heartfelt message to staff, Mayer wrote:

“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.”

Following his departure, Vanessa Pappas, TikTok’s general manager, will serve as acting CEO.

TikTok’s recent months have been defined by global challenges. In June, India banned TikTok, one of its largest markets, amid rising geopolitical tensions. In the United States, President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum requiring TikTok’s U.S. arm to be sold to an American company by September 15, or face a complete nationwide ban.

These developments have triggered intense negotiations between ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company and major U.S. tech giants such as Microsoft and Oracle, with Netflix also briefly linked to talks.

In response to the U.S. government’s executive order banning transactions with ByteDance, TikTok filed a lawsuit, stating:

“We do not take suing the government lightly, however we feel we have no choice but to take action to protect our rights, and the rights of our community and employees.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the company remains under immense pressure to finalize a deal that secures its U.S. presence, a situation that directly contributed to Kevin Mayer’s abrupt and emotional exit.