Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump said he would be open to Elon Musk or Oracle chairman Larry Ellison buying TikTok. He also floated a structure in which a buyer would give the United States a 50% stake in a joint venture in exchange for permission for the app to keep operating. Those were policy remarks and a negotiating concept—not a bid, sale agreement, government-approved transaction or confirmed joint venture.
As of August 18, 2026, the sources available for this article do not verify that Musk or Ellison bought TikTok, that ByteDance accepted an offer, or that the proposed 50/50 venture was formed.
What Trump actually proposed
Trump made the comments at a White House event involving Ellison, SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman. The event centered on the Stargate artificial-intelligence infrastructure project, but reporters asked Trump about TikTok. Bloomberg reported three distinct points:
- Trump said he was open to Musk buying TikTok.
- He said Ellison could buy it as well.
- He suggested that an interested buyer acquire the business, transfer half of a joint venture to the United States and receive authorization for TikTok to continue operating.
Trump described TikTok as highly valuable with U.S. approval and effectively worthless without it. He did not identify a purchase price, a government entity that would hold equity, a valuation method, voting rights, board structure or any binding process for selecting a buyer.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 【12-INCH RING LIGHT WITH 240 LEDS】Equipped with 240 high-efficiency LEDs, this 10W ring light delivers bright, stable and evenly diffused illumination. The soft light helps reduce harsh shadows and improves facial and product details for video calls, live streaming, makeup, photography and content creation.
- 【TOUCH CONTROLS, 5 COLOR MODES & 10 BRIGHTNESS LEVELS】Adjust power, color temperature and brightness directly from the responsive touch-control panel. Choose from 5 color modes ranging from 3000K warm light to 6000K cool light and 10 brightness levels from 10% to 100% for makeup, streaming, tutorials, video calls and product shoots.
- 【62-INCH TRIPOD & HANDHELD SELFIE STICK】The adjustable tripod extends up to 62 inches and quickly converts into a handheld selfie stick for flexible filming. Its lightweight yet stable design supports desktop recording, standing videos, selfies, group photos, travel content and overhead shooting.
- 【360° ADJUSTABLE FOR PORTRAIT, LANDSCAPE & OVERHEAD SHOTS】The rotatable light head and adjustable phone holder make it easy to switch between portrait, landscape, low-angle and overhead views. Position your phone and lighting at a comfortable angle for TikTok, YouTube, livestreaming, tutorials, makeup and video calls.
- 【COMPLETE USB-POWERED CREATOR KIT】 Includes a 12-inch LED ring light, 62-inch tripod stand, phone holder, Bluetooth remote shutter and USB power cable. This all-in-one setup is easy to assemble, store and move between bedrooms, offices, studios and travel locations for everyday content creation.
Ellison responded positively during the exchange, but that does not establish a bid, financing commitment or agreement. Nothing in the remarks showed that Musk had offered to buy TikTok or that ByteDance had agreed to sell it.
Why TikTok faced a U.S. shutdown
The backdrop was the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, enacted in 2024. Its TikTok deadline was January 19, 2025. The statute restricted U.S. app stores and internet-hosting providers from supporting a covered application unless ByteDance completed a “qualified divestiture.”
A qualified divestiture was more demanding than changing the name of a U.S. subsidiary or selling a corporate shell. The required transaction had to remove foreign-adversary control and the relevant operational relationship with the application. The statutory text is available at Congress.gov; the Congressional Research Service explains the standard in its legal analysis and related HTML analysis.
Rank #2
- New RGB Dynamic Modes and 3 Normal Colors: Selfie ring light has warm light,white light,daylight,red,yellow,green,sky blue,blue,purple,RGB light provide 39 dynamic, breathing and illusory color mode
- Precise Control: Our light ring features exclusive stepless speed regulation and dimming. Whether you're in color dynamic mode or adjusting the warmth of the light in conventional lighting, you have complete control. It offers stepless brightness adjustment from 1% to 100% for both modes.
- Patented Premium Tripod: This tripod for the ring light reaches a maximum height of 62" and an overall height of up to 72". Crafted from top-quality aluminum alloy and metal, it stands strong and sturdy. Its compact design ensures easy portability, and locking it in place takes just a second. It comes complete with a phone holder that can stretch up to 3.3", accommodating a wide range of smartphones.
- Versatility at Its Best: Our ring light with stand and phone holder is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for makeup, photography, painting, dancing, taking pictures, live streaming, and even serves as a fill light, floor lamp, or zoom light. The tripod features a 1/4" screw thread that doubles as a camera tripod.
- USB-Powered Convenience: Powering the ring light with a stand is a breeze via USB ports. It's compatible with devices that support USB ports. For optimal performance, we recommend using an adapter or wall outlet that delivers a 5V/3A current, ensuring the Weilisi light operates at its maximum power mode.
TikTok became temporarily unavailable to U.S. users around the deadline, and the app and other ByteDance applications were removed from certain app stores. The law did not itself require the United States to receive an ownership stake.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What the Supreme Court and Trump’s order changed
January 17: Supreme Court decision
On January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court rejected TikTok’s First Amendment challenge. The Court did not order a sale. Its decision allowed the statutory restrictions to take effect unless the required divestiture occurred. The opinion is available from the Supreme Court.
January 20: Executive Order 14166
On January 20, Trump signed Executive Order 14166. It directed the attorney general not to enforce the act for 75 days while the administration evaluated its options and instructed the Justice Department to communicate that temporary position to covered service providers. The Congressional Research Service summarizes the order at Congress.gov.
Rank #3
- 【Perfect Lighting for Video, Makeup & Streaming】3 color modes (warm, natural, cool) with 10 brightness levels let you easily create soft, even lighting for TikTok, Zoom calls, makeup, and video recording. No harsh shadows, no overexposure—just clear, flattering light every time.
- 【50" Adjustable Tripod – Desk to Full Height】Extendable from 15.7" to 50", perfect for desk use, standing filming, or full-body shots. One setup for video calls, live streaming, selfies, and content creation.
- 【360° Rotation for Any Shooting Angle】Flexible phone holder and adjustable head allow portrait, landscape, overhead, and low-angle shots—ideal for creators, vloggers, and everyday use.
- 【Wireless Remote – Shoot Hands-Free】Includes wireless remote to take photos or videos up to 30ft away. Perfect for solo creators, group shots, and remote recording—no need to touch your phone.
- 【All-in-One Ring Light Kit for Phone Creators】Includes ring light, tripod stand, phone holder, and remote. Compatible with iPhone & Android devices—perfect for TikTok, YouTube, live streaming, Zoom meetings, and everyday use.
The order did not repeal the statute, change the definition of qualified divestiture, transfer TikTok to the government or create a binding acquisition process. It also did not establish that a president could permanently exchange an operating authorization for government equity.
Why a 50% U.S. stake would not automatically solve the legal problem
Trump’s proposal was an additional political and commercial idea layered onto the statute, not the statute’s prescribed remedy. A government-owned half of a company could still fail the qualified-divestiture test if ByteDance retained meaningful influence over operations, the recommendation algorithm, technology, licensing or strategic decisions.
Recommended Free Tools
The proposal also leaves basic public-law questions unanswered:
Rank #4
- 【Best Light Effect CRI 97+】This slim and lightweight LED light will brighten up your beauty in front of the pictures, webcam, makeup, selfies, video conferencing, vlogging, live streaming, video recording, zoom meetings, filming, studio podcast, on camera photo light, etc.. The high CRI of 97+ is equal to a professional photography lighting to create your favorite light effects to complement your skin glowing, natural even like a baby.
- 【3 Light Modes & 10 Brightness Levels】The selfie light has 3 Light Modes (White, Natural, Warm) from 2500K-6500K color temperature adjustable to meet all your needs, allowing you to be charming in any surroundings. Built-in 60 LED lighting beads with 10 levels brightness adjustable, compatible with phones, tablets, laptops, computers, tripods, and cameras. Works on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, FaceTime no matter indoor or outdoor, daytime or at night.
- 【Multi-Function Design】With 160° rotation adjustable LED light panel for precise light positioning on your mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop, or bedside, it is suitable for all scenarios that need fill light, such as mobile phone shooting, zoom lighting or reading lamp; An adapter embedded with ¼-inch thread of 180° rotatable head for cameras (hot shoe mount included), tripods, selfie sticks. Fill lighting effect is better than small selfie ring light.
- 【2200mAh Battery& 15 Hours Standby Time】The selfie light for iPhone Lasts about 15 hours of light at 10% brightness, Lasts 4 hours of light at 50% brightness, battery is fast rechargeable. Compatible with all phones, tablets, laptops, computers, tripods, and cameras. 24 Months Warranty, please feel free to contact us with any problems or issues, we will 100% try our best to satisfy you, ASAP within 24 hours.
- 【Compact Pocket Size】Portable phone light clip only weighs 95g, perfectly fits in your pocket or pouch (Dimension: 3.9*2.8*0.78in). This mobile phone fill light can be a perfect gift for friends, family, colleagues, lovers who like to take selfies or post a lot of videos, I believe they will like it very much. Package Contents: 1* LED Video Light, 1* Clip, 1* USB-C Cable, 1* 1/4’’ Nut Adapter, 1* 1/4’’ Hot Shoe Mount, 1* Storage Pouch, 1* User Manual.
- Which federal entity would own the interest, and would Congress need to authorize that ownership?
- How would the stake be valued, and would the government receive voting rights, board seats, profits or only an economic claim?
- Could a president condition permission to operate on transferring private equity to the government?
- Would government ownership create First Amendment concerns if officials gained influence over content or moderation?
- Would national-security, antitrust or other regulatory reviews still be required?
Those questions were unresolved in Trump’s remarks. A presidential statement is not a substitute for legislation, a contract, regulatory approval or a court ruling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a real transaction would have to resolve
The algorithm and technical independence
TikTok’s value is not limited to its U.S. users, brand and advertising relationships. A buyer would need to determine whether the recommendation system would be transferred, licensed, rebuilt or separated. A U.S. corporate shell that still depended on ByteDance-controlled code, engineers or decision-making could face the same legal problem under the statute and might not deliver the existing TikTok experience.
Data, operations and security
A transaction would need clear control over U.S. user data, cloud access, engineering, content moderation, advertising systems, trust-and-safety functions and incident response. It would also need to define which technical relationships with ByteDance ended and how compliance would be monitored.
Best Value
- 【Foldable 14-inch Ring Light】This 14-inch ring light features a clever foldable design, making it easy to store and carry, very convenient. Compared to common 10-inch or 12-inch ring lights, the 14-inch size provides a larger lighting area and superior lighting effects, making it perfect for photography, makeup, video recording, or any occasion that requires high-quality lighting.
- 【Foldable 62-inch Tripod with Inverted Design】This equipment comes with a sturdy 62-inch tripod with a foldable inverted design, made of high-quality and durable alloy material. The inverted design minimizes storage space to just 16.7 inches, and the reinforced legs can extend up to 16 inches, allowing for low-angle shooting and enhancing stability.
- 【Touch Screen Control】This ring light offers 5 color temperatures (warm, warm white, natural white, daylight, cool white) and 10 brightness levels (10% - 100%), precisely meeting your creative needs. The bright and soft light is friendly to the skin and eyes, without shadows or glare. We use a touch screen for light adjustment, providing greater convenience compared to traditional mechanical controls and ensuring a longer lifespan.
- 【Universal Phone Clamp and Remote Control】Our phone clamp is compatible with all phones ranging from 2.3 to 5.7 inches, can be used with phone cases, and can rotate 360 degrees for instant switch between horizontal and vertical shooting. Additionally, one side of the clamp is equipped with a cold shoe mount, which can be used to install a fill light or microphone, allowing for multi-functional device usage. Our remote control is compatible with iOS and Android devices, without the need to download any apps.
- 【Universal Compatibility】The tripod head features a standard 1/4-inch screw thread, making it suitable for various devices such as phones, cameras, projectors, LED lights, and more. The tripod head also has a 180-degree rotation function, allowing for overhead and low-angle shooting, making it perfect for capturing food, artworks, and more.
Chinese regulatory issues
If software or algorithmic technology is subject to Chinese export controls or approval requirements, a buyer might not be able to acquire every asset needed to replicate TikTok’s current service. That possibility is a transaction risk, not proof that a sale was impossible.
Price, financing and governance
Valuation would have to account for the ban risk, the value of TikTok’s users and advertisers, the algorithm, ongoing litigation and the possibility that the seller could not transfer all technology. The parties would also need a board and voting arrangement that gives the buyer genuine independence and avoids political interference.
Musk and Ellison were hypothetical buyers, not confirmed bidders
| Person or company | Why Trump named them | Potential strengths | Unresolved concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elon Musk | Trump supporter and owner of X, formerly Twitter | Experience owning a large social platform; familiarity with advertising, moderation and platform infrastructure; ability to assemble capital or partners | Financing scale, management bandwidth, competition scrutiny from combining major social platforms, conflict-of-interest questions and possible effects on advertiser and creator trust |
| Larry Ellison / Oracle | Ellison was present at the White House event; Oracle is a major cloud and data-infrastructure company | Enterprise-cloud, security and data expertise; existing relevance to TikTok infrastructure discussions | Cloud capability is not the same as operating a consumer social network; partners would likely be needed for moderation, creators, advertising and product management; existing commercial ties would require independence safeguards |
These are evaluation factors, not evidence that either person had made an offer. The Independent’s account also describes the comments and their legal context without establishing a completed transaction.
Timeline: what happened and when
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 17, 2025 | The Supreme Court rejected TikTok’s challenge to the divest-or-ban framework. |
| January 19, 2025 | The statute’s TikTok deadline arrived; the app temporarily went offline for U.S. users. |
| January 20, 2025 | Trump signed Executive Order 14166, directing a 75-day non-enforcement period. |
| January 21, 2025 | Trump said he was open to Musk or Ellison buying TikTok and floated a 50% U.S. joint-venture stake. |
| February 13, 2025 | The Congressional Research Service later reported that Apple and Google restored TikTok and other ByteDance apps after receiving Justice Department assurances about enforcement exposure. |
Confirmed versus unconfirmed
Confirmed
- Trump publicly expressed openness to Musk or Ellison buying TikTok on January 21, 2025.
- He floated giving the United States half of a joint venture in exchange for authorization to operate.
- The qualified-divestiture law, the Supreme Court decision and the 75-day executive-order delay formed the legal backdrop.
Not confirmed
- A bid, signed agreement, purchase price or ByteDance approval.
- Congressional authorization for a federal ownership stake.
- A completed joint venture or permanent operating permit.
- That Musk, Ellison or Oracle ultimately acquired TikTok.
The practical bottom line is straightforward: Trump opened the door rhetorically, but a workable deal would still require a willing seller, a financially capable buyer, a legally valid divestiture and a credible answer to control of TikTok’s algorithm, data and operations.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
