TikTok received help from President Trump but Senate GOP still wants ban
TikTok is back online for 170 million American users. The company restored service following President Donald Trump’s promise not to enforce a law banning the app.
The Chinese-owned social media app went dark Sunday morning to comply with a bipartisan law banning it since it did not sell to an American buyer. However, even with a reprieve from President Trump, TikTok faces a threat from Trump’s Republican allies in the Senate.
Top Republican senators, including Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rick Scott of Florida, met yesterday as they prepared to take a hard line against Chinese ownership of TikTok, according to reporting by Fox Business.
Cotton objected over the weekend to block the advancement of a Democratic-led bill to undo the TikTok ban before it took effect.
In a statement published Sunday, Cotton said, “Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date.”
His colleague Sen. Graham also accused TikTok of having what he called a “golden share structure.” Graham alleges Chinese President Xi Jinping controlled the company. He said he would introduce a bill blocking any company with this structure from being listed on U.S. exchanges.
It puts both of them on the opposite side of the issue, compared to President Trump, who addressed it at a pre-election rally on Sunday.
“As of today, TikTok is back,” Trump said at a rally on Sunday, January 19th. “The United States will do what we call a joint venture. And there’s no risk. We’re not putting up any money. All we’re doing is giving them the approval without which they don’t have anything.”
The law banning TikTok allowed a president to issue one 90-day extension if there was a buyer. The Justice Department certified one bid, a $20 billion offer led by businessmen Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary.
It’s unclear whether TikTok is interested in selling to them or any other buyer. It’s also unclear what the app’s future looks like after the 90-day window.
Trump holds ‘very good’ phone call with Xi, China sending VP to inauguration
In a historic move, China will send one of its highest-ranking officials to Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. Vice President Han Zheng will attend as a special representative for President Xi Jinping, marking the first time China has sent such a senior Communist Party official to a U.S. presidential inauguration.
The confirmation that China will be represented at the inaugural ceremony comes as President-elect Trump himself confirmed a phone call with China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday, Jan. 17.
Trump posted to Truth Social, stating, “I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
President Xi Jinping echoed Trump’s sentiments about the call, saying that both leaders expressed “hope for greater progress in U.S.-China relations,” according to Reuters.
While Trump had initially invited Xi to attend his inauguration, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed in a media statement that Vice President Han Zheng would represent China at the event.
The statement read, “We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication … and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other.”
During Trump’s first term in office, he traveled to China and was greeted by Xi Jinping, who provided Trump with a rare tour of the Forbidden City. Xi also visited Mar-a-Lago in 2017 for a meeting with Trump, which remains his last visit to the United States.
Xi Jinping sending top Chinese official to Trump’s inauguration: Report
China is reportedly sending a high-level envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, signaling an effort to ease tensions between Washington and Beijing as the new U.S. administration takes office. This comes after Trump extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping in December, though Xi is reportedly not attending.
The attendance of any high-level Chinese official would mark an unprecedented shift, as China typically sends its ambassador in Washington to represent the country at such events.
Xi is expected to dispatch a senior official, though it remains unclear who that will be. Some sources told the Financial Times it could be the country’s vice president or foreign minister. According to their report, Trump’s team expects China to respond appropriately by sending an official of proper distinction to start the relationship on the right foot.
The timing of the move is significant as both countries brace for a possible escalation in their already tense relationship. Human rights, trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the origins of COVID-19 are longstanding issues that could intensify during Trump’s second term.
Trump has also made cabinet appointments known for their tough stance on China, including Mike Waltz, his incoming national security adviser, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was nominated for secretary of state.
Trump confirmed his team is already in contact with Beijing, even before Inauguration Day. During a recent radio interview, he stated that his people and Xi’s have been “talking through their representatives.”
Which world leaders were invited to Trump’s Inauguration?
Inauguration Day for President-elect Donald Trump is less than two weeks away, and the guest list is still being finalized. We are learning more about the world leaders who have received invitations to the ceremony –– and who have not.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet received an invitation, though Zelenskyy has said he would attend if Trump extended a personal invite.
In a press conference on Dec. 16, Trump said that Zelenskyy would be welcome to attend, though he acknowledged that he had not yet invited him.
Another notable potential guest is former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who confirmed on social media that he had received an invitation to the event. Bolsonaro thanked Trump and said he was working on getting his passport back after authorities confiscated it. Bolsonaro is facing criminal charges for allegedly helping to plot a coup in Brazil, similar to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in the U.S.
As Bolsonaro works on the logistics of his attendance, he stated that it would be an honor to attend the historical event.
A spokesman for the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not receive an invitation from Trump.
Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, told Fox News that the president-elect had extended invitations to several world leaders but did not provide further details.
If any world leaders do attend the inauguration, it would be a historic first. State Department records dating back to 1874 show that no head of a foreign country has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration.
Xi Jinping urges confidence in China’s economy amid ‘uncertainties’
During his New Year address, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his country to remain confident in the world’s second-largest economy. Meanwhile, he also warned of “uncertainties in the external environment” just weeks ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
China’s economy is struggling, impacted by weak consumption and a real estate crisis.
“The current economic operation now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones,” Xi said. “We must be confident.”
After winning re-election, Trump said he would impose tariffs on imported goods from China, Mexico and Canada on his first day in office.
Then, last month, Trump invited Xi and other world leaders to attend his inauguration on Jan. 20. Members of both parties scrutinized the invitation.
Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, responded, saying: “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too.”
Xi is not expected to attend the inauguration, according to CBS News.
When Trump was asked about Xi not attending during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago home last month, he said:
“I don’t know that he won’t be at the inauguration. I mean, I haven’t really spoken to him about it, I don’t know that actually. If he’d like to come, I’d like to have him but there’s been nothing much discussed. I have had discussions with him, letters, etc., etc., at a very high level. You know, we had a very good relationship until COVID. COVID didn’t end the relationship, but it was a bridge too far for me.”
During his address, Xi also talked about China’s “reunification” with Taiwan as China ramps up its military presence around the island nation.
On Thursday, Jan. 2, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that China conducted its first combat patrol near Taiwan with warplanes and warships.
China builds more detention centers as Xi Jinping ups anti-corruption drive
Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s alleged anti-corruption efforts across China are widening, with more detention centers being built to hold suspects at the center of his crackdown. At least 218 detention centers have been built, renovated or expanded across the country between 2017 and November 2024, according to a CNN investigation.
The facilities, known as “Liuzhi,” keep the suspects for up to six months without access to lawyers or family visits while the individuals are being investigated. The Chinese leader took power in 2012, and has since tried to remove officials accused of corruption, along with political rivals and those he considers disloyal.
The South China Morning Post reported that the corruption crackdown has detained 56 high-ranking officials in 2024 alone. Xi has also targeted anyone exercising public power, including civil servants and managers of public institutions, even school and hospital administrators.
He has also detained businessmen and other high profile figures the Chinese Communist Party government has accused of bribery. Critics argue the detention system is an abuse of power. A lawyer representing officials in corruption cases told CNN that the detainees typically face threats, torture and extreme psychological pressure.
Chinese officials say the Liuzhi system is a crucial step toward what they call “the rule of law in anti-corruption work.” Government documents show that Chinese construction plans involve building more detention facilities through 2027.
Corruption scandal halts China’s military modernization: Pentagon
China’s ambitious goal to modernize its military by 2027, as directed by President Xi Jinping, is encountering significant challenges, including widespread corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), according to a new Pentagon report. Between July and December 2023, at least 15 senior Chinese military officials and defense industry executives were removed from their positions.
Many of these officials oversaw critical projects, such as the Rocket Force, which manages China’s nuclear and missile programs.
Reports indicate the Rocket Force faced severe issues, including shortages of basic supplies like cooking fuel, prompting some personnel to steal rocket fuel for their meals.
Xi’s anti-corruption campaign
Xi launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the military. However, U.S. officials cautioned the investigations could further disrupt progress toward China’s 2027 modernization goals.
These goals include advancing weapons systems and preparing for potential military action against Taiwan.
CIA Director William J. Burns noted that while Xi has directed the PLA to be ready by 2027, there is no clear evidence of a specific timeline for an invasion.
China’s Defense Ministry denied certain media reports about its leadership reshuffle, labeling them baseless while acknowledging that high-ranking officials are under investigation for alleged disciplinary violations. The country’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the Pentagon report as biased, accusing the U.S. of using it to justify military expansion.
China’s steady military progress
Despite these setbacks, the Pentagon highlighted China’s steady progress in military modernization.
In 2024, Beijing’s defense budget estimated about $330 billion to $450 billion. Key priorities include hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence and an expanding navy, now the largest in the world by the number of ships.
However, slowing economic growth may force China to reassess its priorities and make difficult trade-offs. U.S. officials pointed to operational inefficiencies within the PLA, such as malfunctioning missile silo doors, submarines sinking while docked and delays in defense projects.
Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to bolster its defenses against escalating military activity from Beijing. Taiwanese officials described their strategy as one of deterrence, aimed at preventing potential aggression while strengthening their military capabilities to counter growing regional tensions.
Trump invites China’s Xi Jinping, other foreign leaders to inauguration
President-elect Donald Trump packed his inauguration guest list with world leaders to witness his swearing-in as the 47th U.S. president. China’s President Xi Jinping was among those included on Trump’s list.
The Chinese president congratulated Trump on his election victory. Xi told President Joe Biden that he would work with Trump’s team to continue fostering a sustainable relationship between the two countries.
Trump extended an inauguration invitation to Xi despite Trump’s repeated tariff threats against Beijing.
Trump’s secretary of state and national security adviser picks — Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla. — aren’t as fond of China’s leadership. Both lawmakers are longtime critics of the communist regime, which they point out is a known national security threat.
The invitation comes as the deadline for Chinese company Bytedance to sell TikTok looms. Failure to divest the platform will result in it being banned across the U.S.
Trump aims to set new standard
The president-elect’s team said it’s setting a new standard by asking foreign dignitaries to attend Trump’s inauguration next month.
Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, revealed the plans and the possibility of other leaders coming to the U.S. Capitol.
“This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors too,” Leavitt told Fox News.
World leaders have visited America to meet with the incoming president. In November, Argentinian President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
In December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Trump. The far-right leader received an invitation to the Jan. 20 ceremony.
Leavitt said Xi’s attendance is to be determined. It’s unclear if any other foreign leaders accepted the invitation.
According to U.S. Department of State records, no foreign leaders attended a presidential inauguration in the past.
3 Americans imprisoned in China for years are now free after agreement
Three Americans imprisoned in China for years have been released and are coming home to the United States. The White House announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the agreement between Washington, D.C., and Beijing in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s presidency.
The exchange is reportedly part of a prisoner swap with the U.S. releasing unidentified Chinese nationals, although the White House would not confirm those details.
The United States says the freed Americans were wrongfully detained and one had been facing a death sentence on drug charges. The other two U.S. citizens were imprisoned for alleged espionage and one faced a life sentence.
The U.S. said the White House had brought up the release of the three Americans over the past several years, including earlier this month when Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Cooperation Summit in Peru.
The release of the three Americans comes just months after Beijing released a pastor from California who spent nearly two decades in prison after being convicted of contract fraud.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
With North Korea entering the war, the Biden administration is now allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russia. And President-elect Donald Trump returned to New York for a UFC showdown this weekend while also making more presidential picks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
It’s been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the U.S. has supported Ukraine since the start, President Joe Biden is now easing limitations on how U.S.-supplied weapons can be used.
The policy shift comes as President Biden’s time in office winds down and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to limit U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has also promised to quickly put an end to the war with Russia but has yet to say how.
Biden’s decision comes as Russia unleashed a barrage of its own missiles in Ukraine Sunday, Nov. 17. Ukrainian authorities said 10 people, including two children, were killed and dozens injured in a Russian strike on a residential building in Sumy, near the Russian border.
Earlier in the day, Russia launched its largest attack against Ukraine since August, once again targeting power plants and energy infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian authorities said at least five people were killed in those strikes.
On the social site Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired into the country, with Ukrainian air defenses downing more than 140 targets.
Israeli strike in Beirut kills Hezbollah’s top spokesman
An Israeli strike on a neighborhood in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top spokesman, according to the militant group.
Mohammed Afif was an adviser to the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, whom Israel killed in an attack on Beirut in September. Afif had been responsible for Hezbollah’s media relations since 2014.
Lebanon’s health ministry said no evacuation warning was issued before the strike, which happened in the middle of the day, and four people were killed.
🔴ELIMINATED: Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif
Afif was a senior Hezbollah military operative, in contact with senior officials and directly involved in advancing and executing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a “precise, intelligence-based strike” that “eliminated the terrorist Mohammed Afif, the chief propagandist and spokesperson of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”
Trump attends UFC event in New York City, makes more picks for 2nd term
Over the weekend, President-elect Trump returned to Madison Square Garden to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view event. It was the first time Trump was back at the New York City venue since his rally last month and he received roaring applause from the UFC crowd Saturday night, Nov. 16, including chants of “USA!”
Trump was joined by friend and UFC President Dana White, as well as some of the names he’s recently picked to join his administration, including Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also in attendance.
The president-elect also shook hands with Joe Rogan, one of the commentators for the event. Trump was a guest on Rogan’s podcast in the days leading up to the election.
Trump’s weekend also involved filling more key positions in his administration, including nominating Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a Denver, Colorado based fracking company.
He also picked current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the agency’s chairman. Carr recently made headlines after claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live violated FCC rules.
More nominations from the president-elect are expected to come this week.
Biden becomes first sitting president to visit Amazon rainforest
President Biden made history Sunday, Nov. 17, becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest.
While there, Biden met indigenous leaders and visited a museum at the gateway to the amazon. He also toured the drought-shrunken waters of the Amazon River’s greatest tributary and signed a U.S. proclamation designating Nov. 17 International Conservation Day, highlighting his commitment to the preservation of the region.
He also touched on concerns the incoming Trump administration might change U.S. climate policy.
“It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January,” Biden said. “I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so.”
Today I issued an official proclamation to support the conservation of nature around the world.
That was the most that Biden publicly referenced President-elect Trump during his South American tour.
The transition was briefly mentioned during Chinese president Xi Jinping’s remarks on Saturday, Nov. 16 during his final meeting with Biden. While he also did not mention Trump by name, Xi appeared to signal his concern over what the new administration could mean for China’s relationship with the U.S. During his campaign, Trump promised to levy 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Reports: WBD, NBA settle with 11-year deal; ‘Inside the NBA’ to air on ABC
Warner Brothers Discovery is back in the game when it comes to the NBA. Though the company will no longer be airing games on its TNT network after this season, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets report the two sides have come to an agreement to keep NBA programming in the Warner Bros. family.
The reports said the new deal will settle Warner Brothers Discovery’s breach of contract lawsuit, which it filed against the league after the NBA signed rights deals with Disney’s ESPN, Comcast’s NBC, and Amazon.
This 11-year agreement will see NBA content remain on Warner Bros. Discovery’s digital platforms Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. It also gives Warner Brothers Discovery the right to distribute games overseas in places such as northern Europe and parts of Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil.
Reports said Warner Brothers Discovery also struck a deal with Disney to license its popular TNT show “Inside the NBA,” featuring former-players-turned-commentators Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley starting next season. The show will air throughout the season on ABC and ESPN.
The deals are expected to be officially announced this week.
Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live for Tyson vs. Paul
Netflix also said 50 million households watched the co-main event that saw Katie Taylor retain her championship against Amanda Serrano. The streaming giant said that would make it the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in United States history.
Netflix said more information, like total viewers, will be released later this week.
Netflix’s future live sporting events will include NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE weekly programming starting next year.