And good evening. We are coming on the air with breaking news right now out of the Middle East. Defense Secretary Pete Hexath saying that the Pentagon has just launched retaliatory strikes on ISIS targets in Syria in response to an attack that killed American troops last weekend.I want to get straight to our senior national security correspondent Courtney QB who joins us live. Courtney, again, these were in retaliation for that ambush attack that happened on those two National Guard troops from Iowa. >> Yea ...

Core Viewpoint - TikTok has entered a joint-venture agreement that will introduce new investors in its US operations, while maintaining control over key business functions under its current owner, ByteDance [1][2]. Group 1: Joint Venture Structure - The new investors include Oracle, Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX, and private-equity firm Silver Lake, who will manage national security-related tasks such as data management and algorithm training [1][2]. - TikTok's current owner, ByteDance, will retain control over essential business lines, including e-commerce and advertising, ensuring that TikTok global continues to operate under its oversight [2][3]. Group 2: Ownership and Valuation - The joint venture will see Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX acquiring a combined 45% stake, while existing ByteDance investors will hold around 30%, and new investors will take 5%. ByteDance will maintain just under 20% ownership of the US business [5]. - The deal is valued at $14 billion, significantly lower than the $50 billion estimate from Morningstar analysts, reflecting a focus on national security rather than business growth [4]. Group 3: Employee Concerns - Employees at TikTok are uncertain about the implications of the new agreement for their organizational structure and leadership, with some not expecting significant changes [6].

TikTok Deal & Algorithm - Oracle 将负责管理和保护美国用户数据，对算法进行许可，Bytedance 仍拥有代码 [2][3] - 算法将在 Oracle 服务器上进行训练，生成与全球其他地区不同的内容 [3] - Bytedance 的所有权将低于 20%，从 90.9% 大幅下降 [3] - 算法代码库的完整性至关重要，利用美国数据重新训练算法应提供强大的解决方案 [6][7] National Security & Consumer Perspective - 数据隔离确保美国境外潜在对手无法访问算法，内容审核策略和数据由 Oracle 控制 [13] - 消费者对国家安全问题的担忧有所减少，更关注内容质量 [14][15] - 该协议旨在保护美国利益和安全，为消费者提供更多选择 [17] Media Landscape & Competition - 短视频娱乐正在改变人们消费内容的方式，TikTok 和 YouTube 处于领先地位 [21] - Hollywood 需要一个健康的生态系统，工作室需要足够的收入来与 TikTok 和 YouTube 等平台竞争 [26] - 华纳兄弟与 Netflix 或 Paramount 的合并对于维持生态系统的健康和盈利能力至关重要 [26] Potential Risks - 中国政府尚未明确批准该协议，这可能是一个风险因素 [18]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Venezuela’s cooperation with narco-traffickers and terrorists a direct threat to US national security but declined to say if the US is trying to push President Nicolas Maduro out of power https://t.co/t7uP7F2mdL ...

Just one year into his second term, President Trump has fashioned American foreign policy in his image. >> They put America last, we put America first. From targeting alleged narot terrorists on the open ocean to fighting openly with European allies to burkering a fraught ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.What President Trump is really attempting is to make himself one of the top statesmen in American history. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is a staunch ally of the president and is often in his ear on m ...

Group 1 - Oracle's stock increased by approximately 5% following its involvement in a joint venture to manage TikTok's U.S. operations [1] - The joint venture includes Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, with the deal expected to finalize on January 22 [1] - The agreement allows TikTok to avoid a ban after President Biden signed a law mandating the divestiture of the company's U.S. unit due to national security concerns [2] Group 2 - Oracle will be responsible for auditing and ensuring TikTok's compliance with "agreed upon National Security Terms" [3]

Trade Policy & Tariffs - The administration aimed to reset the global trading order towards a fair and balanced approach, implementing numerous trade deals and tariffs [1][2] - The tariff program is considered crucial for building a new global trading order and protecting US industry, with trading partners having largely accepted the system [5] - The removal of tariffs on specific goods like bananas, coffee, and cocoa was considered to address affordability concerns, especially for goods not produced in the United States [9] - The primary goal of the trade program is to reshore American manufacturing, protect American food security, create jobs, and increase wages, rather than driving prices [12][13] US-China Trade Relations - The US aims for stability in trade relations with China, seeking a more balanced trade relationship, with the trade deficit decreasing by 25% [20] - A potential agreement with China in the first half of next year could outline specific trade items and volumes, representing a form of managed trade [21] - Rare earth elements continue to flow from China, and China has purchased over 5 million metric tons of soybeans, indicating ongoing trade between the two countries [18] - Discussions regarding the TikTok deal involve both private sector agreements and government approvals from the US and China, with an expectation of Chinese government approval [15][16] Trade Relations with Other Regions - The US has expressed strong concerns regarding discriminatory regulatory measures by Europe against US tech companies, which appear to target companies based on revenue or business models [31][32] - Negotiations with India are ongoing to find a good landing zone, while other trade partners have concluded negotiations more quickly [36] - Mexico has requested modifications to steel and aluminum tariffs, and discussions are ongoing, with the US acknowledging Mexico's constructive approach in addressing US concerns [39][40][41] Export Controls & National Security - Export controls are fluid and constantly reviewed to balance national security with technological advancements and foreign availability [25] - Approvals for exporting certain items, like H2O chips, to China are subject to Commerce Department review to ensure US national security is not jeopardized [26] - The US government is closely monitoring China's development of AI chips and semiconductor tools [25]

Trade Policy and Economic Outlook - The U.S. administration has shifted towards a fair and balanced trade approach, moving away from total liberal trading [1] - Numerous trade deals and tariffs have been announced, with expectations to finalize many in the coming year [2] - The economy is reportedly booming, with inflation down and wages up, indicating a positive economic trajectory [3] Tariffs and Compliance - Concerns exist regarding potential Supreme Court actions that could overturn tariffs, which are seen as foundational to the new global trading order [4][5] - The administration is prepared to maintain necessary tariffs and trade deals, leveraging emergency powers if needed [6] Cost of Living and Tariff Adjustments - The administration is considering removing tariffs on specific goods, particularly food items, to address affordability concerns [8] - Recent reductions in prices for basic food staples have been noted, attributed to tariff adjustments [9] Job Creation and Manufacturing - The tariff program is primarily aimed at job creation and reshoring American manufacturing, with a focus on protecting food security [12] - The administration emphasizes that trade policy is not driving prices but rather driving job growth [13] U.S.-China Trade Relations - A potential agreement with China regarding trade volumes is anticipated in the first half of next year, aiming for a more balanced trade relationship [21] - The trade deficit with China has decreased by 25% this year, reflecting progress under current policies [20] Export Controls and National Security - Export controls are dynamic and subject to constant review to balance national security with trade interests [25] - The administration is cautious about technology transfers to China, ensuring that any approvals respect U.S. national security [27] U.S.-EU Trade Dynamics - Discussions with the European Union have revealed concerns over discriminatory regulations affecting U.S. tech companies [31][32] - The U.S. seeks to negotiate over these regulatory measures, which are perceived as protectionist against American firms [30] Mexico and Tariff Negotiations - Mexico has recently approved tariffs on certain Chinese imports and is seeking modifications to U.S. aluminum and steel tariffs [39][41] - The U.S. has found Mexico to be constructive in discussions regarding longstanding trade concerns [41]

TikTok parent Bytedance has formalized agreements with investors to form a new U.S. joint venture, as it works to complete a deal to prevent the app from being banned in the U.S. over national security concerns https://t.co/VC9AWI9PGF ...

Financial Developments - The EU has committed €90 billion to Ukraine, but there is no agreement on utilizing frozen Russian assets for the loan [2] - Oracle's stock has seen a significant decline, losing nearly half its market value since the end of September, but analysts suggest a potential recovery for long-term investors [6] Company-Specific News - TikTok has signed an agreement to divest its U.S. entity to a joint venture controlled by American investors, valued at approximately $14 billion, expected to close in January [4] - The new venture will have a majority-American board and will store U.S. user data locally, with Oracle acting as the "trusted security partner" [5] - Oracle will also be responsible for retraining TikTok's content recommendation algorithm to prevent outside manipulation [5] Market Trends - Marijuana stocks experienced a sell-off following President Trump's rescheduling order [3] - FedEx reported positive earnings, while Nike is facing challenges [9] - The Bank of Japan has raised its benchmark rate to the highest level in 30 years [7]