Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Trump’s January 2025 TikTok Delay Proposal: What the 50% U.S. Ownership Plan Meant

On January 19, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump proposed delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban and pursuing a joint venture with 50% U.S. ownership. Here’s what the law, executive order, and later deal actually did.
From TheFinanceBase Team6 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On January 19, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump said his incoming administration would delay enforcement of the TikTok divest-or-ban law and proposed that the United States receive a 50% ownership position in a TikTok joint venture. It was a proposal—not a completed transaction, identified buyer, or finalized ownership structure.

TikTok had gone offline for U.S. users after the statutory deadline arrived. Trump’s statement helped encourage service providers to restore access, and he signed an executive order the next day directing the Justice Department not to enforce the law for 75 days. That order did not repeal or rewrite the law.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Trump proposed on January 19, 2025

Trump said he would issue an executive order after taking office to extend the time before the TikTok restrictions took effect. He presented the delay as an opportunity to negotiate a national-security solution rather than immediately allow TikTok to disappear from the U.S. market.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

His proposed structure was a joint venture in which the United States would hold a 50% ownership position. Trump did not explain whether “the United States” meant the federal government, American private investors, or a combination of both. He also did not identify a buyer or provide terms for the proposed transaction.

#1 Best Overall
EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod, Tripod for iPhone & Selfie Stick with Remote
  • 100% LIFETIME PROTECTION: Enjoy reliable performance with lifetime coverage, guaranteeing your tripod is always protected against any defects or issues.
  • Ultimate Materials & Engineerin: EUCOS's phone tripod utilizes modified Nylon PA6/6 for all-weather durability. The engineered polymer delivers exceptional crush/shear resistance and toughness, achieving optimal rigidity-flexibility balance.
  • Rapid Extension Tripod for Phone: Glide the rod in a single, fluid motion to convert it from a compact tripod into a full 62" selfie stick. Achieve instant elevation for dynamic filming.
  • Studio-Grade Phone Rig: Safely harness phones from 2.2" to 3.6" wide with pro-level clamping and effortless framing. Built-in cold shoe expands your creative options with lights and mics.
  • Hands-Free Control: The Wireless remote enables instant pairing with smartphone and remote capture from up to 33ft/10m. Ensures rock-solid stability for blur-free photography and Start/Stop video recordings effortlessly—all without device contact.

The announcement therefore should not be described as the U.S. buying half of TikTok. It was an initial political proposal and commitment to pursue a deal. TechCrunch reported the proposal, while Axios detailed the surrounding legal and operational issues.

Why TikTok went dark

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act took effect on January 19, 2025. President Joe Biden had signed it in April 2024 after Congress passed it, and the Supreme Court upheld the law on January 17, 2025.

The law did not simply order the government to delete TikTok. Instead, it restricted U.S. app stores and internet-hosting providers from distributing, maintaining, updating, or supporting a covered application unless it completed a legally qualifying divestiture.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

That distinction mattered. TikTok itself was not the only party facing risk. App stores and hosting companies could potentially face statutory penalties if they continued supporting the service after the deadline. TikTok became unavailable to U.S. users for several hours during the weekend of January 18–19 because providers wanted clearer assurances that they would not be punished.

Rank #2
Sale
SENSYNE 62" Phone Tripod, Extendable Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote
  • 62" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Combo: Extendable phone tripod for iPhone and Android, combining a tripod stand and selfie stick in one lightweight design for selfies, photos, videos, vlogging, live streaming, and family gatherings.
  • Adjustable Height & 360° Rotation: The tripod extends up to 62 inches to support standing shots, group photos, video calls, and content creation. The 360° rotating phone holder allows vertical or horizontal shooting.
  • Stable Phone Holder for Daily Recording: Designed for hands-free video recording, online meetings, tutorials, livestreams, and social content. The phone holder keeps your device positioned securely for clear, steady shots.
  • Wide Compatibility with Phones and Cameras: Fits most smartphones from 2.8" to 5.7" wide and includes a universal 1/4" screw mount for compatible cameras, action cameras, webcams, and camcorders.
  • Wireless Remote & Complete Kit: Includes 1 phone tripod/selfie stick, 1 universal phone holder, 1 adapter, and 1 wireless remote shutter. Backed by 12-month after-sales support for everyday shooting needs.

After Trump publicly said he would delay enforcement and protect companies that helped restore access, TikTok began returning to service. It would be inaccurate to say Trump personally switched TikTok back on: the operational restoration involved TikTok and its service providers, while his statement influenced their legal-risk calculation.

What the TikTok law required

The law targeted foreign-adversary-controlled applications, including TikTok and applications associated with ByteDance. A covered service could remain available only after a qualified divestiture that removed foreign-adversary control and prohibited operational relationships.

The statute included a possible 90-day extension, but it was conditional. The required conditions included a path to completing the divestiture, significant progress toward that result, and binding legal agreements supporting the transaction. It was not an unconditional presidential power to postpone the restrictions whenever desired.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

That is why the January announcement raised an immediate legal question: could the incoming president delay enforcement beyond what Congress had authorized?

Rank #3
Sale
Liphisy 64” Tripod for Cell Phone & Camera with Remote and Phone Holder
  • 【Sturdy and Stable】: Made of premium aluminum alloy and stainless steel, Liphisy phone tripod with remote keeps your device stay securely in place for still shots and video recording.
  • 【Multi-angle Shot】: With a max height of 64”, this tripod stand with a 210-degree rotation head and 360-degree rotation holder allows you to capture shots from any angle, catering to different photography needs.
  • 【Wireless Remote Included】: Package includes a wireless remote that connects to your cell phone easily, making it a breeze to snap photos or video recordings.
  • 【Height Adjustable】: The height of this cell phone tripod with remote can be adjusted from 17” to 64” and the easy lock mechanism makes it really easy to set up. It gives you an excellent vantage point for capturing photos and videos.
  • 【Wide Application】: Compatable with different phone and camera, this tripod is great for photography and video recording, perfect for travel and home use.

Could an executive order override the law?

An executive order can direct executive-branch agencies, including the Justice Department, about enforcement priorities. It cannot itself repeal, amend, or change the text of an act of Congress.

On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general not to enforce the TikTok law for 75 days. The order also sought to protect service providers from penalties for conduct during the relevant period. Read the White House order.

The important distinction is between:

  • Changing the statute’s effective date: something an executive order cannot ordinarily do by itself.
  • Delaying enforcement: an executive-branch decision not to pursue penalties for a specified period.

Trump’s order operated in the second category, even though public coverage often described it as delaying the ban. Critics argued that the statutory deadline had already arrived and that the president lacked authority to create a new extension outside the conditions Congress had written. The administration relied on executive enforcement discretion.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What did “50% U.S. ownership” mean?

The phrase was the most attention-grabbing part of Trump’s proposal, but also one of the least defined. The January announcement did not establish:

Rank #4
Sale
RISEOFLE 71” Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick, Portable All in One Extendable Cell Phone Tripod Stand, with Wireless Remote Control for iPhone/Samsung/Android/Camera
  • [Versatile Design] RISEOFLE 71'' Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick combo is the perfect accessory for all your cell phone photography needs.The high-quality aluminum alloy telescopic pole allows you to extend effortlessly and smoothly, and turns into a tripod with just one pull. Its sturdy yet lightweight design provides stability and reliability, ensuring that your phone or camera stays safe during use. Ideal for Selfies/Live/Video Recording/Travel
  • [Extra Tall 71" Adjustable Phone Tripod] This selfie stick tripod features a 7-section adjustable aluminum telescoping pole that adjusts from 12.2 in (31 cm) to 70.86 in (180 cm). Provides exceptional flexibility for shooting a variety of shots. Whether you're taking a selfie, a group photo or shooting a video, the adjustable height ensures you get the best angle every time.
  • [Compact & Portable Design] The RISEOFLE phone tripod stand With a folded length of only 31cm (12.2 in) and a weight of 264g (0.58 lb), extremely portable and easy to store, it can be effortlessly placed into your backpack or carry-on luggage, making it the perfect companion for your travels. Wherever you go, it allows you to capture amazing footage with ease.
  • [360° Rotation & Wide Compatibility] Featuring a 360° rotating phone holder, this selfie stick tripod allows you to easily switch between portrait and landscape modes for the best viewing angle. The universal holder fits smartphones with widths of 2.6''-3.6'' (4''-7'' screen size) and is compatible with most cameras, action cams, and webcams via the 1/4” screw mount (Note: the remote control function only applies to cell phones, the camera cannot use the remote control function).
  • [Perfect for Content Creation] Ideal for selfies, vlogging, and social media content creation, the RISEOFLE Tripod comes with a wireless remote control for hassle-free shooting. Whether you're on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Twitter, this phone stand for filming helps you capture professional-quality photos and videos with ease.
  • whether the U.S. government or private American investors would own the stake;
  • which existing TikTok or ByteDance investors would remain involved;
  • who would control TikTok’s recommendation algorithm;
  • where U.S. user data would be stored and who could access it;
  • whether ByteDance would retain an operational relationship;
  • how Chinese export-control rules would affect the algorithm; or
  • how the arrangement would satisfy the statutory definition of qualified divestiture.

Ownership and control are not identical. A company could have substantial American ownership while a foreign company retained influence over data, software updates, operations, or the recommendation system. Those issues were central to whether a proposed joint venture would address the national-security concerns behind the law.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What happened after the 75-day order?

The administration issued further enforcement delays while negotiations continued. In September 2025, the White House said a proposed U.S.-based joint venture would qualify under the law because foreign-adversary ownership would be reduced below 20%, with the joint venture controlling key aspects of the platform, including its algorithms and code. The White House also described an American-operated cloud environment for U.S. data. See the September 2025 White House announcement.

Independent reporting described important details and qualifications. The Associated Press later reported that Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX were major investors, each holding 15%, while ByteDance retained a 19.9% stake. AP also reported that ByteDance would license its recommendation algorithm for retraining, a detail that differs in emphasis from the White House’s description of algorithm and code control.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In January 2026, AP reported that agreements for the new U.S. joint venture had been finalized. The later structure broadly resembled Trump’s initial idea—a U.S.-based joint venture—but it was not the same as the January 19 proposal. The original 50% figure was not a completed ownership term, and the eventual reported structure did not mean that the U.S. government owned 50% of TikTok.

Best Value
Amazon Basics 64-inch Extendable Tripod for iPhones and Smartphones, Selfie Stick Mode and Phone Tripod Mode, Black
  • Rotatable twist with 1/4"screw allows 360° adjustment and 180° flipping, so you can take photos, video call or live broadcast with ease
  • Universal compatibility with smartphones up to 3.7 inches wide, GoPros, digital cameras and webcams
  • Includes a wireless remote with a range of 30 feet (without obstacle), so you can easily take individual, group and wide-angle shots
  • Swaps easily between handheld selfie stick and stand-alone tripod for dual-purpose use
  • Whether you're an amateur, enthusiast or professional, this is a must-have accesory for shooting on the go

What the 2026 legal opinion addressed

On July 16, 2026, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel said the TikTok U.S. Data Security Joint Venture was outside a separate federal-government-device prohibition. The opinion described the venture as independently operated, majority-owned by American investors, and supported by changes to the recommendation algorithm and cybersecurity program. Read the Office of Legal Counsel opinion.

That opinion addressed the federal-government-device statute. It should not be treated as a ruling that eliminated every possible legal, technical, or national-security question under the consumer divest-or-ban law.

Timeline

Date What happened
April 24, 2024 President Biden signed the TikTok divest-or-ban law.
January 17, 2025 The Supreme Court upheld the law.
January 18–19, 2025 TikTok became unavailable to U.S. users for several hours.
January 19, 2025 President-elect Trump proposed delaying enforcement and suggested a 50% U.S. ownership position in a joint venture.
January 20, 2025 Trump signed a 75-day non-enforcement order.
April–September 2025 The administration issued additional enforcement delays.
September 25, 2025 The White House described a proposed U.S. joint venture as a qualified divestiture.
January 2026 AP reported that agreements for the new U.S. joint venture had been finalized.
July 16, 2026 DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel issued its opinion on the joint venture and the federal-government-device prohibition.

What the proposal meant for users, creators, and businesses

For users, the immediate issue was access: even someone who already had TikTok installed could lose updates, hosting support, or functionality if providers stopped supporting the application.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For creators, advertisers, and businesses, the uncertainty affected audience access and campaign continuity. A presidential statement was not the same as formal legal protection, and the platform’s future depended on enforcement decisions, provider participation, ownership, data governance, and algorithm control.

The later joint venture addressed some of those concerns according to the administration and participating investors, but “U.S.-owned” should be understood precisely. It referred to a particular U.S. joint-venture structure, not necessarily the federal government owning half of TikTok or ByteDance disappearing immediately from the arrangement.

Bottom line

Trump’s January 19, 2025, statement proposed two things: delay enforcement of the TikTok law and pursue a joint venture with a 50% U.S. ownership position. Neither was a completed transaction at the time. His January 20 order directed the Justice Department not to enforce the law for 75 days; it did not repeal the statute.

The later U.S. joint venture followed the broad concept of moving TikTok into a U.S.-based ownership and security structure, but the final reported ownership, ByteDance’s continuing 19.9% stake, algorithm arrangements, and legal treatment were developed later. They should not be presented as details Trump had already secured in January 2025.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.