Trump and Musk's Secret Plan to Redraw America's Borders

The world's two most powerful men are reclaiming thousands of acres of abandoned land... and it could make millions for those who understand this new map of America.

Trump's executive order gives TikTok a reprieve. What happens next?

HALELUYA HADERO
January 21, 2025

President Donald Trump has directed his Justice Department to pause enforcement of the TikTok ban until early April, but a host of questions remain - including whether Trump has the authority to issue such an order and if TikTok's China-based parent would be amenable to selling the popular social media platform.

In an executive order signed on Monday, Trump instructed the U.S. attorney general to not enforce the ban for 75 days while his administration determines "the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown" of TikTok.

Under a federal law that was upheld by the Supreme Court last week, TikTok's parent company ByteDance was required to sell the platform to an approved buyer by Sunday or face a nationwide ban. On Saturday evening, a few hours before the ban took effect, TikTok became unusable for U.S. users. But it came back online on Sunday, with TikTok crediting Trump for helping the platform after he vowed on social media to stall the ban.

The federal law, passed with bipartisan support in Congress last year, provides a 90-day extension if progress has been made toward a sale. But Trump's executive order now complicates matters for companies who could be liable for delivering TikTok's service to U.S. users.

Some -- at least as of now -- appear to be taking a cautious approach. On Tuesday, both Apple and Google, which operate the two most prominent app stores, did not offer TikTok or any other ByteDance-affiliated apps, such as Lemon8 or the video editing app CapCut, on their digital marketplaces.

Here's what we know:

Can Trump put a pause on the TikTok ban?

The Justice Department is generally tasked with enforcing the laws of the federal government. But Trump does not have the power to overturn a law that Congress passed and subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court.

The law does give the sitting president latitude on certain details, such as what would count as a "qualified divesture" of TikTok. But since an extension on a ban can only occur if "significant progress" has been made towards a sale of TikTok's U.S. platform, it's possible that Trump's order could face legal challenges.

On Tuesday, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights organization that filed amicus briefs in support of TikTok's legal challenge against the statute, said it believed it would be "unconstitutional" to ignore the law.

"There are no winners here, unless Congress repeals this law," David Greene, the organization's Civil Liberties Director, said in a statement.

On Sunday, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas posted a message on X listing a number of state and federal agencies, and private entities, that might be willing to go to court to get the ban enforced. However, it's unclear if anyone is planning to challenge Trump's order.

And Trump's order also warns possible challengers that because of "the national security interests at stake," attempts by parties to enforce the law "represents an encroachment on the powers" of the executive branch.

Is TikTok going to be sold?

Even if an extension faces and fails to withstand legal scrutiny, it will buy time for ByteDance and TikTok to figure out their next move.

Trump on Monday said he is looking to have the U.S. government broker a deal for 50% control of TikTok, adding that "every rich person" has called him about acquiring the social media platform.

A day prior, he proposed terms in which the U.S. would have a 50% stake "in a joint venture" that would be "set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose." But the details remain murky, and it was unclear whether Trump was proposing control of the app by the government or another U.S. entity.

According to TikTok, roughly 60% of the privately-held ByteDance is owned by global investors, such as General Atlantic and Susquehanna International Group. ByteDance employees and the company's founder, Zhang Yiming, also each have a 20% stake.

The technology company has not disclosed financial details for its subsidiaries, including TikTok's global or U.S. operation.

Even if an American company can acquire a 50% stake in TikTok, it's unclear how a Trump-orchestrated transaction would address some of the national security concerns that led lawmakers and the Biden administration to push for a divestment.

For example, Trump has not addressed whether he will allow ByteDance to keep controlling the TikTok algorithm that fuels what users see on the platform. The algorithm, which is updated and maintained by ByteDance engineers in China, has been one of the main concerns among supporters of the law.

Trump's executive order notes the administration must have a review period to assess government intelligence and the steps TikTok has taken to address Washington's concerns.

What happens next?

Most likely, lots of negotiations about the future of TikTok.

Last year, Beijing called the push in Washington to require a divestment of TikTok a "robbers" act. But on Monday, China signaled a possible softening of its stance.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that business operations and acquisitions "should be independently decided by companies in accordance with market principles."

"If it involves Chinese companies, China's laws and regulations should be observed," Mao said on Monday.

President Trump has threatened to slap tariffs as high as 100% on Chinese goods if Beijing refuses to allow a sale of TikTok. If China doesn't approve the deal, Trump said on Monday he would consider it somewhat of a "hostile act."

After the law was passed last year, ByteDance said it did not have any plans to sell TikTok and then fought a legal battle against the statute for months. Representatives for the company and TikTok did not immediately respond Tuesday on whether they are willing to cut ties with each other within the new 75-day extension period.

In a note, Gabriel Wildau, a managing director of the Teneo consultancy, wrote that if amicable negotiations happen, Beijing might ultimately approve the export of TikTok's algorithm. However, a sale that excludes that technology might be more feasible legally and technically, Wildau wrote. Previously, Teneo had made a case that Beijing would not allow ByteDance to sell TikTok because of its concern for national dignity.

"This is all a game of high stakes poker," said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives. "TikTok is a chip on the table in broader U.S.-China negotiations."

_________________________

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this story.

Continue Reading...

Popular

An Electric Aircraft Company With Potential to Break Out - Ad

If you're watching the electric aviation sector, this is a stock to keep an eye on with a strong market position and cutting-edge technology.

Palantir Cofounder Peter Thiel Might Write A Book About Ancient Prophecies, The Antichrist, And Armageddon - He Thinks We're Ignoring The Real Threat

Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel is exploring a book on ancient prophecies, the Antichrist, and Armageddon, warning that society is ignoring the threat of a one-world government—a concern he believes demands urgent attention.

Texas to Adopt New Currency? - Ad

As you'll see, the political elite in Texas are backing this new currency to the hilt. One law allows businesses to accept this new currency, the same as if you were paying by cash or with a credit card. So, what is Texas' new currency? And what do you need to do immediately to prepare?

Washington Post columnist quits after her opinion piece criticizing owner Jeff Bezos is rejected

A columnist who has worked at The Washington Post for four decades resigned on Monday after the newspaper's management decided not to run her commentary critical of owner Jeff Bezos' .

Big Tech Is Barreling Toward a $17 Trillion Reckoning - Ad

While everyday investors keep piling into names like Nvidia, Apple, and Amazon... the owners of those very companies are dumping their OWN shares at a record pace. Now, "America's top trader" is warning that big tech could be barreling right toward another dot-com style implosion. 

Warren Buffett on Debt and Donald Trump's Money Moves: Trump 'Never Went Right'

In a piece of advice that continues to hold relevance, investor Warren Buffett once warned students about the perils of excessive borrowing, citing Donald Trump as a case in point.

TeraWulf Stock Tanks: Death Cross Spells Trouble For Bitcoin Miner

TeraWulf Inc. (NASDAQ:WULF) hit a technical roadblock, forming a Death Cross — a classic bearish signal that suggests trouble ahead.

Strange Pattern Emerges in U.S. Stock Market - Ad

A rare stock market anomaly--seen only once this century--is back! Last time, it helped create gains as high as 125,000% over 15 years. Now, it's colliding with the AI boom, and people are taking notice. The Oxford Club's top strategist reveals how to profit--watch the special broadcast now!

Dogecoin Plunges 9% But Top Analyst Believes Meme Coin Could Stage A 'Strong' Rebound In Case This Happens

Influential cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez anticipated a significant rebound for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) despite the market slump on Sunday.

Miu Miu celebrates femininity with a star-studded cast at Paris Fashion Week show

PARIS (AP) — At Miu Miu, the little sister brand of , the feminine wasn’t just celebrated — it was deconstructed, reconfigured and worn with a wink.

Trump Bombshell to Hit by April 30th? - Ad

According to Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... Before April 30th, President Trump could make a shocking AI announcement... Sending these stocks exploding higher.

Tesla's 101x Valuation Raises Alarm As Gordon Johnson Warns Of Sales Slump, Dan Ives Sees AI Upside Despite Elon Musk's DOGE Distractions

Tesla Inc. continues trading at 101 times its 2025 estimated non-GAAP earnings while key metrics decline, prompting GLJ Research's Gordon Johnson to sound alarm on Monday as tech stocks face a significant market correction.

Incyte Releases Mixed Data From Late-Stage Opzelura Studies In Skin Disease Characterized By Itchy Firm Lumps

Incyte's Phase 3 TRuE-PN trials show ruxolitinib cream improves itch relief in prurigo nodularis, though TRuE-PN2's primary endpoint fell short.

Market Dip: Buffett, Bezos, & 48 Members of Congress Betting on One Sector -- Don't Miss Out - Ad

This corner of the market is NOT artificial intelligence... Crypto... or any other familiar sector or strategy. Instead...It's a sector that the U.S. Gov't spends 6-TIMES more on, than our own ENTIRE military defense budget. Don't let recent market uncertainty keep you in the dark on this massive opportunity.

Stock market today: Asian stocks are mixed as week starts with uncertainty over tariffs

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stocks got a mixed start to trading Monday as uncertainty persisted over what President will do with tariffs.

Cathie Wood-Led Ark Invest Roblox, Roku, UiPath As Markets Take A Dip

Ark Invest made significant trades on Friday, selling shares of RBLX, ROKU, PATH and buying shares of IBTA, PSNL, ABSI, and RXRX.

Own AI Stocks? Do This Before March 17th - Ad

This tiny tech--smaller than a quarter--could ignite the next AI boom by March 17th! It's powering Elon Musk's $9T project, and one "silent partner" stock could skyrocket. If you missed Nvidia's 22,000% run, this could be your second chance. Click now--before it's too late!

Trump vs Musk? Federal Workers Unconvinced He'll Take Action: 'If They Don't Cut, Elon will, Comments Show Who's Really In Charge'

President Donald Trump has reportedly limited the authority of his billionaire advisor, Elon Musk, to dismiss federal employees. This development has stirred skepticism among the workforce and political circles.

$3 Electric Aviation Stock With Tremendous Potential - Ad

The electric aviation market is just taking off, and this company is at the forefront. With significant revenue and strategic partnerships, this stock is poised to make a big impact.

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war

TORONTO (AP) — looks set to pick a measured former central banker to deal with the threats tariffs pose against a pillar of Western free trade.

13-Second Trump Video Could Trigger AI Shock - Ad

Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... Just released a video with this 13-second Trump clip about the current AI boom. Please, do NOT buy any AI stock before watching that clip. What President Trump said in that clip could have implications for this AI boom.

Canada incoming PM says he'll keep tariffs in place until US shows respect and commits to free trade

TORONTO (AP) — Incoming said Tuesday that his government will keep tariffs in place until Americans show respect and commit to free trade after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened historic financial devastation for Canada.

This Bear Market Blueprint Could Save Your Retirement - Ad

The crisis we warned about is here--sky-high interest rates, spiraling debt, and AI-driven job losses are reshaping the economy. Waiting for "normal" is a mistake. The rules of wealth have changed. Get my Bear Market Blueprint--a 4-step plan to protect & grow your money. Normally $297--FREE to our subscribers!

Hackers Expose Customer Data—Retail Pharmacy Giant Paying $6.8M in Compensation

Retail pharmacy giant Rite Aid has agreed to pay $6.8 million to its customers following a significant data breach.

Cardano, XRP, Solana Drop As White House Clarifies Trump's Crypto Reserve Plan

Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA), XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) and Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) declined on Friday after a top White House aide suggested President

The Fort Knox Cover-up? What It Means for Gold - Ad

Trump and Musk are demanding answers: Is Fort Knox empty? If the gold is gone, supply collapses, and prices could skyrocket instantly. Right now, I've uncovered 5 major gold predictions that could make this Fort Knox moment even bigger than people realize. One of them is already unfolding--and the window to act is closing fast.

Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm Sells Over $30 Million Worth Of Stock As Automaker Grapples With Macroeconomic Uncertainties, Increased Competitive Heat

Tesla Inc. Chair Robyn Denholm has sold approximately $33.7 million worth of the electric vehicle maker's stock, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. The sale involved 112,390 shares, the same amount she offloaded last month for gross proceeds of around $43.2 million.

Elizabeth Warren Raises Questions On Robert F Kennedy's Mar-A-Lago Dinners With Big Pharma: American People Deserve To Know About The Deals Made

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other lawmakers raised concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s private dinners with pharmaceutical executives at Mar-a-Lago, questioning his commitment to reducing corporate influence as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Will Elon's DOGE Pay You a Dividend? - Ad

Musk's DOGE is saving billions--rumors swirl of a $5,000 "DOGE dividend." But his new AI tech could be even bigger... potentially putting $30K in your pocket this year and beyond. Tech legend Jeff Brown calls this the next Nvidia. Act before March 17th--your second chance is here!

Trudeau slams Trump's tariffs, says US is appeasing Putin while launching a trade war against Canada

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called “very dumb” and said that U.S. President Donald Trump is appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against Canada.

Rocket, Redfin Deal Aims To Create End-To-End Real Estate Solution: Where Does That Leave Zillow?

Rocket Companies announces it will acquire Redfin in a $1.75 billion deal to bring homebuyers an end-to-end, online real estate solution from browsing listings to securing a mortgage.

AI Is Stealing From You (Claim up to $41,430 a Year as Payback) - Ad

OpenAI openly states that "your data is used to improve model performance." but it's about time you got paid for that. Luckily, I've found a government-backed income stream that could pay you up to $41,430 a year in "AI equity checks." Best of all, it takes only five minutes and as little as $10 to get started!

Mortgage lender Rocket Cos. to acquire real estate brokerage Redfin in deal valued at $1.75 billion

Mortgage lender Rocket Cos. has agreed to acquire online real estate brokerage Redfin in an all-stock deal valued at $1.75 billion.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright smartmoneytrading.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service