Why It Matters

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, the newly formed U.S.-based entity at the center of TikTok's ownership restructuring, has filed a lobbying registration disclosure with a Washington firm, signaling the company is building out its federal advocacy operation.

Valcour LLC, a GOP-aligned lobbying firm, registered as a lobbying firm for TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC on April 16, 2026. The arrangement comes in the wake of major regulatory shifts involving TikTok's ability to operate in the US, and follows multiple legislative attempts to permanently ban the platform for U.S. users.

The Big Picture

The filing lists $0 in lobbying expenditures at registration, standard for a new client registration under LDA registration requirements. Three lobbyists are named on the engagement:

  • Matt Mowers, President of Valcour LLC
  • Bill Killion, Senior Vice President
  • Blake Center, Public Affairs Professional with prior congressional experience working for Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA)

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is the product of a restructured ownership deal. According to member communications, the joint venture's ownership includes Oracle and Silver Lake, each holding 15%, Abu Dhabi-based MGX holding 15%, eight private investors holding 35%, and ByteDance retaining a 19.9% stake.

The federal lobbying disclosure comes as Congress has signaled its intent to conduct oversight of the deal. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4) called directly for oversight of the joint venture structure in January 2026. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) issued a statement the same month demanding transparency and referencing a draft TikTok Transparency and Data Security Act he circulated in July 2025.

Teen safety is also emerging as a distinct regulatory concern. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) raised age verification issues in late April 2026 just weeks before this lobbying registration was signed.

What They're Saying

Congressional activity around TikTok has been sustained and bipartisan.

  • Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member and former Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered a floor speech in June 2025 demanding that TikTok be wrested from "the control of ByteDance and the Chinese government," painting the platform as a "national security issue."
  • Rep. Newhouse specifically named the joint venture structure in January 2026 and raised concerns about CCP algorithmic influence.
  • Sen. Markey referenced unanswered letters to the White House and called for a congressional briefing on the deal.
  • Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) flagged concerns about the algorithm remaining under Beijing's influence.
  • Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) offered a contrasting view, arguing the original TikTok ban was about controlling speech rather than national security.

The Bottom Line

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is establishing a federal lobbying operation through Valcour LLC as it navigates a complicated congressional environment. While the entity faces bipartisan scrutiny over its ownership structure and algorithmic independence, lobbyist Blake Center's prior experience with Rep. Fong gives the team an initial House Republican connection.

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