Trump, tariffs, and TikTok: Let’s make a deal?

January 21, 2025

An illustration shows the US flag with the TikTok logo and a dollar in Shanghai, China, on January 21, 2025.

(Photo Illustration by Costfoto/NurPhoto)

TikTokkers may credit President Donald Trump with the app’s restoration on Sunday, which came 12 hours after a government ban shut it down, but their joy may be short-lived. On Monday, Trump signedan executive order suspending the ban for 75 days, during which his administration will “determine the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown of a communications platform used by millions of Americans.”

Before taking office, Trump floated the idea of obliging TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell half the company to an American purchaser and run it as a joint venture. Beijing has beencool to the concept, with China’s Foreign Ministry responding that the “operation and acquisition of companies” should be “decided by companies” and in line with Chinese law.

How important is TikTok to China? Both Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chewattended Trump’s inauguration, and in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous Friday, Trump said the two leaders spoke about the app. On Monday, however, Trump told reporters he could levy tariffs of 100% on Chinese goods if Beijing refuses to strike a deal – indicating that TikTok may be just another bargaining chip in Trump’s plans for containing China.

Can Trump end birthright citizenship?

Several groups led by DACA recipients gathered at La Placita Olvera in Los Angeles, California, on November 11, 2024, for a rally and march in response to policies President-elect Trump has promised to enforce against immigrants who have entered the country.

(Photo by Jacob Lee Green/Sipa USA)

In his first hours back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order denying citizenship to children born to unauthorized immigrants in the US. Eighteen state attorneys general, along with San Francisco and Washington, DC, immediately sued to block the order.

Colombia to declare emergency over rebel violence

Arauca, Colombia.- The photo shows the site of an attack with explosive devices at a military base located in Puerto Jordán in the department of Arauca, Colombia on September 17, 2024. The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, said that "a peace process" that his Government until now maintained with the guerrilla of the National Liberation Army (ELN) is closed, after the attack that left two soldiers dead and 26 wounded in Arauca.

ULAN/Pool / Latin America News Agency via Reuters Connect

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday he will declare a state of emergency after guerilla attacks by the ELN in the northeast of the country killed at least 80 people and forced over 11,000 to flee.

Tools and Weapons – In Conversation with Dr. Fei-Fei Li

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In this new episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Dr. Fei-Fei Li reflect on poignant moments from her memoir, "The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI," highlighting the crucial role of keeping humanity at the center of AI development. They also explore how government-funded academic research, driven by curiosity rather than profits, can lead to unexpected and profound discoveries that propel innovation and economic opportunities. Dr. Li is a pioneering AI scientist breaking new ground in computer vision, and she is a Stanford professor who is currently leading the innovative start-up World Labs. While her career is deeply rooted in technical expertise, Dr. Li's journey is driven by an insatiable curiosity. Subscribe and find new episodes monthly, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Walmart is helping associates grow careers and build better lives

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When his daughter was born, Johnny was able to use Walmart’s paid parental leave to spend six weeks bonding with her: “I’m a living example of the benefits Walmart provides.” Walmart’s comprehensive benefits — including paid parental leave, healthcare, tuition coverage, and more — help associates live better at work and at home. With a $1 billion investment in career-driven training and development, Walmart is creating pathways to higher-paying, higher-skilled jobs, so associates like Johnny can build better lives for themselves and their families. Learn why it pays to work at Walmart.

Trump, tariffs, and TikTok: Let’s make a deal?

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GZERO’s very own Tony Maciulis is in the Alps all week to report from the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

In his first hours back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order denying citizenship to children born to unauthorized immigrants in the US. Eighteen state attorneys general, along with San Francisco and Washington, DC, immediately sued to block the order.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday he will declare a state of emergency after guerilla attacks by the ELN in the northeast of the country killed at least 80 people and forced over 11,000 to flee.

In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, businesses are focusing on adapting to global trade uncertainties. Dr. Nikolaus Lang, global leader of the BCG Henderson Institute, shared his insights with GZERO’s Tony Maciulis during the World Economic Forum in Davos.