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TikTok Avoids US Ban With Major Investment Deal: What It Means for 170 Million American Users

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TikTok has secured its future in America after striking a landmark deal with US and international investors, ending years of uncertainty about whether the popular app would be banned over national security concerns tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The agreement creates a new US-based entity that will take control of American operations, protecting the platform’s 170 million users, its largest and most lucrative market globally. TikTok CEO Shou Chew told employees in an internal memo that the new joint venture will receive major backing from tech giant Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX investment company. The ownership breakdown carefully navigates US legal requirements: New investor consortium: 50% stake Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX: 15% each Existing ByteDance investor affiliates: Just over 30% ByteDance: Under 20% (the maximum allowed for Chinese companies) This US-based venture will handle all critical operations for American users, including data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software integrity. It will also manage certain global functions like e-commerce, advertising, and marketing. The deal resolves a multi-year standoff that began when US lawmakers raised alarms about potential Chinese government access to American user data and concerns over algorithmic influence. Legislation passed under President Biden mandated that ByteDance either sell TikTok’s US operations or face a complete ban. Former President Trump, who initially pushed for restrictions during his first term, later delayed enforcement deadlines multiple times, most recently extending them into January. Oracle’s executive chairman Larry Ellison, a Trump ally, played a central role in brokering the arrangement. Trump acknowledged at the time that while he wanted the deal to be “100 percent MAGA,” practical realities required compromise. With a planned closing date of January 22, the agreement largely confirms a White House announcement from September indicating a compliant deal had been reached. Chinese officials have remained tight-lipped, with the foreign ministry only stating that “China’s position on the TikTok issue is consistent and clear.” ByteDance has not yet commented publicly. Industry analysts see the deal as a workable compromise. Li Chengdong of technology consultancy Dolphin called keeping TikTok operational in the US “a victory” for ByteDance, potentially allowing the company to focus on artificial intelligence development and future stock market plans. However, Zhang Yi from research firm iiMedia cautioned that US regulators could still apply pressure through their oversight powers.

Trump
Foreign News

Trump Sparks Outrage with Insulting Plaques Beneath Former Presidents’ Portraits at White House

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Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy after installing blunt, often insulting plaques beneath portraits of former US presidents at the White House. The display, dubbed a “Presidential Walk of Fame” by Trump, lines the colonnade connecting the West Wing to the White House residence. Each plaque supposedly offers a snapshot of a former president’s record and legacy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the project, insisting the descriptions were deliberately straightforward. “The plaques are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind,” she said. “As a student of history, many were written directly by the President himself.” An introductory plaque states the exhibit was “conceived, built, and dedicated by President Donald J. Trump as a tribute to past Presidents, good, bad, and somewhere in the middle.” Critics say many inscriptions cross the line from historical assessment into personal attacks, particularly those targeting President Joe Biden. Biden’s section delivers the harshest criticism. One plaque labels him “Sleepy Joe” and claims he was “by far, the worst President in American History.” In an especially provocative choice, Trump replaced Biden’s portrait with an image of an autopen, widely seen as a dig at Biden’s age and mental sharpness. Biden is also the only former president displayed without a gilded frame. The plaques accuse Biden of taking office through “the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States” and blame his administration for inflation, immigration issues, and energy policy failures. They criticize the Afghanistan withdrawal as “among the most humiliating events in American History,” referencing the deaths of 13 US service members during the 2021 evacuation. Trump’s commentary connects Biden’s leadership to global instability: “Seeing Biden’s devastating weakness, Russia invaded Ukraine, and Hamas terrorists launched the heinous October 7th attack on Israel,” one plaque reads. Another highlights Biden’s stumbling 2024 debate performance, claiming he was “forced to withdraw from his campaign for re-election in disgrace.” Former President Barack Obama also faces sharp criticism. His plaque uses his full name “Barack Hussein Obama” and labels him “one of the most divisive figures in American history.” Trump attacks Obama’s healthcare reform as the “highly ineffective ‘Unaffordable’ Care Act” and slams major foreign policy moves, including the Iran nuclear deal and Paris Climate Agreement. The plaque revives Trump’s longstanding claims that Obama spied on his 2016 campaign and oversaw the “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax.”

Trump
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US Adds Nigeria to Travel Restriction List Over Security and Visa Overstay Issues

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The United States has added Nigeria to its list of countries facing partial travel restrictions, citing security concerns and high visa overstay rates. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, aimed at tightening border control and national security measures. According to a White House fact sheet dated December 16, 2025, the proclamation targets countries with weak traveller screening systems and poor information-sharing practices with US authorities. Nigeria is now one of 15 nations facing partial restrictions. US officials pointed to ongoing extremist activity by groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates in parts of Nigeria, making it harder to conduct thorough background checks on travellers. Visa compliance was another red flag. Data shows Nigerian visitors had a 5.56% overstay rate on B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas. Students and exchange visitors on F, M, and J visas did worse, with an 11.90% overstay rate. Trump had already labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” back in October, following reports of religious violence in the country. Five countries face even stricter measures. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria are under full travel bans. The restrictions also apply to anyone traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Nigeria joins Angola, Benin, Senegal, and Tanzania on the partial restriction list. The White House confirmed that certain groups are exempt from the restrictions. These include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), current visa holders, diplomats, and people whose travel is considered in US national interest. Waivers may also be granted case-by-case. US officials said the goal is to protect public safety while pushing affected countries to step up cooperation on security and immigration issues.

Foreign News, Health

King Charles to Scale Back Cancer Treatment After “Positive Progress” From Early Diagnosis

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King Charles III has revealed he’ll be reducing his cancer treatment in the coming year, crediting early detection and following medical advice for his steady recovery. The 77-year-old monarch shared the encouraging news in a televised message promoting cancer screening awareness across Britain. His message was simple but powerful: catching cancer early can save your life. Speaking candidly about his own experience, Charles said early detection made all the difference in his treatment journey and has allowed him to maintain “a full and active life even while undergoing treatment.” It’s been nearly two years since the King went public with his cancer diagnosis, a remarkably open move that broke with royal protocol. Traditionally, the monarchy keeps health matters strictly private, but Charles chose transparency to prevent rumors and raise global awareness about cancer. His decision had an immediate impact. Cancer Research UK reported a 33% spike in website visits right after the announcement, with people across the country searching for information on symptoms and early detection. That’s exactly what Charles hoped for, turning his personal struggle into a teaching moment that might save others. Buckingham Palace hasn’t disclosed the specific type of cancer, but confirmed it was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate. Further medical tests revealed the cancer, which Charles has been treating since early 2024. The fact that he’s now scaling back treatment suggests doctors are pleased with how he’s responding, a hopeful sign for both the King and the millions watching his journey. Charles’s message comes at a time when health officials are pushing hard for more people to take advantage of cancer screening programs.

Foreign News, Trending

US to Require Five Years of Social Media History for Travellers Under New Border Security Proposal

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The United States is considering major changes to its entry requirements that would require international visitors to submit five years of social media history before entering the country. According to report, a notice in the US Federal Register reveals that applicants would need to provide all social media accounts, email addresses, phone numbers, and detailed information about immediate family members during the screening process. Currently, UK citizens and travellers from other Visa Waiver Programme countries can visit the US for up to 90 days using ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) – a straightforward online application with a small processing fee. The proposed changes would significantly expand what information travellers must share. New requirements would include biometric data collection such as facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scans, and potentially DNA samples during the online application stage. These checks are currently only done in person at US borders. A mandatory selfie would also become standard for all visa and ESTA applicants. US officials say the enhanced screening is essential for national security. However, privacy advocates warn the measures could violate civil liberties, pointing to previous cases where travellers were denied entry based on content found on their personal devices.

Usman Ododo
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Ododo Highlights Security Boost, Infrastructure Drive in Kogi’s Two-Year Progress Report

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, says his administration has stepped up the fight against insecurity by employing 1,050 hunters, establishing a Forward Operation Base, and absorbing vigilante operatives into the state’s civil service. The governor also outlined major achievements recorded within his first two years in office, focusing on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and improved social welfare. He spoke in Lokoja during a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening development and infrastructure growth in line with Kogi’s 32-year development plan. Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiru Asiwaju, Ododo highlighted the revival of the Confluence Rice Mill as a key milestone. He noted that the initiative has supported more than 7,000 farmers and created jobs through KEDA grants and soft loans. Ododo also reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing over 500 kilometres of roads, installing solar streetlights, and rehabilitating major waterworks across the state. He added that significant progress has been made in expanding free healthcare services, improving educational support, and rolling out empowerment programmes for women and youths. “We have employed 1,050 hunters, established a Forward Operation Base, and absorbed vigilante operatives into the civil service,” he said. The governor stressed the importance of aligning current and future projects with the state’s long-term 32-Year Development Plan to ensure continuity and sustainable growth. He urged participants at the training to apply the knowledge gained in driving Kogi State’s vision of prosperity by 2056.

Exclusive News, Foreign News, Politics

Benin Foiled Coup: Over a Dozen Soldiers Arrested After Failed Attempt to Oust President Talon

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More than a dozen soldiers have been detained in Benin Republic after a failed coup, with the authorities identifying those believed to be the masterminds, according to military and security sources cited by AFP on Sunday. One military official said 13 suspects have been taken into custody so far. Another confirmed that all those detained are on active duty, except for one former member of the armed forces. The arrests came after a surprise broadcast on Benin’s national television early Sunday, in which a faction of officers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon and dissolved state institutions. A self-described Military Committee for Refoundation said it had seized control of the country. Moments later, the presidency dismissed the broadcast, telling AFP that President Talon was safe and that loyal troops were working to stabilize the situation. The presidency described the coup attempt as the action of “a small group” with limited influence, saying: “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Emmanuel Macron
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Macron Pledges Stronger Security Partnership With Nigeria, Calls for Global Support

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France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, has again expressed his country’s solidarity with Nigeria with regard to the current security threats the latter is facing, including the threat posed by terrorists from the north. In a posting on his X platform on Sunday, Macron indicated he had spoken with President Bola Tinubu during a televised encounter. He said France is ready to strengthen any form of collaboration with Nigeria due to the deteriorating security environment. “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I expressed the solidarity of France with regard to the various security threats they’re under, especially the terrorist threat from the north,” Macron captioned on Facebook. He said that at the request of Nigeria’s President Tinubu, France is to increase its partnership with the authorities and support communities hard hit by violence and insecurity. “At his request, we want to strengthen our partnership with the authorities and support for the impacted populations,” he said. He urged the international community to raise its engagement and said the extent of this crisis is such that the international community is required to take joint action. “We call on all our partners to raise the level of their engagement. Nobody can be a spectator.” The dialogue between the leaders is happening at a time when Nigeria is still fighting terror and other forms of violent extremism all issues for which international collaboration is believed to be central for gaining back permanent peace and stability.

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ECOWAS, Nigeria Condemn Failed Coup Attempt in Benin Republic, Pledge Support for Democratic Order

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nigerian government have strongly condemned the attempted coup in Benin Republic, which was foiled by loyal security forces in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. In a statement, ECOWAS said it received the news of a military takeover attempt with “consternation,” stressing that those behind the plot must be held accountable for any loss of life or property. The regional body described the move as an attack on the will of the Beninese people and called for strict adherence to the country’s constitution. ECOWAS praised the swift action of the Beninese government and the Republican Army in restoring order and reaffirmed its willingness to support Benin, including the possible deployment of the regional standby force to protect the nation’s constitutional and territorial integrity. The Nigerian government also issued a firm condemnation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing the attempted overthrow as “a direct assault on democracy” and a destabilising act. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria stands in full solidarity with Benin, commending the professionalism of its security forces in safeguarding democratic institutions. Nigeria reiterated its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, warning that unconstitutional changes of government threaten the region’s progress. Abuja called on ECOWAS and the international community to unite in denouncing the coup attempt and upholding shared democratic principles. Meanwhile, Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, confirmed that loyal troops had thwarted the mutiny launched by a small group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation.” The group had earlier appeared on state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon, the closure of borders, and the suspension of political parties. Gunfire was reported in parts of Cotonou as the events unfolded, heightening concern among diplomats. French, Russian, and U.S. embassies have since warned their citizens to remain indoors and exercise caution. The attempted coup comes months before Benin’s 2026 election, in which President Talonv currently serving his second and final constitutional termnis expected to step down. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and calm has gradually returned to the capital.

Elon Musk
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EU Fines Elon Musk’s X €120 Million Over Blue Checkmark Deception and Transparency Violations

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The European Union has slapped Elon Musk‘s X with a €120 million fine, the first major penalty under its Digital Services Act (DSA). The decision has ignited a fresh clash between Brussels and Washington, with U.S. officials condemning the move even before it was officially announced. The European Commission says X broke transparency rules, particularly through the “deceptive design” of its blue checkmark system. Officials argue that letting anyone buy verification misleads users and opens the door to impersonation, scams, and manipulation. X also failed to properly disclose information about political and commercial ads and blocked researchers from accessing necessary data. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen pushed back against accusations of censorship: “This decision is about the transparency of X and has nothing to do with censorship.” Her statement came after U.S. Vice President JD Vance slammed Europe for “attacking American companies over garbage.” Musk responded warmly, saying “Much appreciated.” The investigation started in December 2023. Last year, regulators determined that Musk’s verification overhaul removed meaningful identity checks, making it easier for bad actors to pose as legitimate accounts. Brussels also confirmed that other parts of the probe, including concerns about illegal content and information manipulation, are still active. Many thought the case might stall after Donald Trump returned to the White House and Musk regained political clout. But the EU pushed ahead anyway. Virkkunen defended the €120 million penalty as fair: “We are not here to impose the highest fines. We are here to make sure that our digital legislation is enforced.” The DSA allows fines up to 6% of a company’s global revenue. The EU could have based the fine on Musk’s entire empire, including Tesla, but chose what many see as a restrained approach. The Center for Countering Digital Hate praised the ruling, saying it shows no tech giant is above the law. France’s digital affairs minister, Anne Le Henanff, called it “historic” proof that Europe is ready to move “from words to action.” The White House isn’t happy. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently warned that Europe needs to rethink its digital rules if it wants progress on steel tariffs. The Trump administration’s latest national security plan accused Europe of “regulatory suffocation.” Meanwhile, the EU said it accepted TikTok’s promises to improve ad transparency, though the platform still faces other investigations under the DSA. EU officials insist U.S. pressure didn’t influence their decision on X, saying they focused on building a legally sound case.

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