The White House announced on Saturday that an emerging deal regarding TikTok aims to ensure U.S. control over the video-sharing app's algorithm and governance. According to the White House, U.S. companies will oversee the algorithm, which is crucial for the app's operation, while Americans will have a majority on the board overseeing TikTok's U.S. operations. This arrangement comes in light of ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing concerning the app's Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Previously, Congress passed legislation for a potential ban on TikTok, which is set to take effect in January. However, President Donald Trump has continuously signed executive orders permitting TikTok to operate while negotiating the sale of its U.S. operations by ByteDance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that tech giant Oracle is slated to manage the app's data and security, securing six out of seven board seats for American representatives. Oracle did not comment on the situation.
In responses to inquiries about the negotiations, Trump expressed confidence in the deal, describing American investors involved as "very substantial people" who prioritize the country's interests and are technologically savvy.
In another development, President Trump's immigration policy has left many H-1B visa holders perplexed. Following Trump's proclamation on Friday announcing a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas aimed at skilled tech workers, the White House clarified that this fee only applies to new applicants and does not affect current visa holders. Leavitt confirmed that those with H-1B visas outside the country would not be charged the fee to re-enter the U.S., making it clear that the new policy does not disrupt the travel capabilities of existing visa holders. The fee is set to be implemented at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday and could last for a year or be extended if deemed necessary for U.S. interests.
Additionally, Trump announced his intention to nominate Lindsey Halligan, a senior White House aide, as the chief federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia. This nomination comes after the office was disrupted following the ousting of its U.S. attorney. The announcement aligns with Trump’s ongoing efforts to pursue legal action against political rivals, particularly New York Attorney General Letitia James, amid a controversial investigation into her alleged mortgage fraud case involving Trump.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has intensified media restrictions by requiring accredited journalists to sign a pledge to refrain from reporting any information that has not been authorized for release. This policy shift expands existing restrictions and poses a significant concern for advocates of press freedom, who argue it undermines independent journalism.
As the potential federal government shutdown approaches, Democratic leaders in Congress are seeking to negotiate with Trump. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the urgency of a meeting to avert a government closure, which they attribute to Republican reluctance to enter discussions. They insist on bipartisan cooperation to maintain vital healthcare programs as part of any deal to secure government funding beyond the September 30 deadline.
In a notable grassroots movement, approximately 200 individuals completed a 160-mile march for democracy from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Over 14 days, this diverse group, named the We Are America march, aimed to raise awareness about various political issues, including the influence of the Trump administration on government agencies and law enforcement. Participants were welcomed with hospitality across communities during their trek, culminating with a celebratory arrival in the nation’s capital.
On the international front, Trump’s diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza seem to falter as tensions escalate. Following a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed his disappointment in the lack of progress concerning peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City resulted in civilian casualties, intensifying calls within Israel for the government to negotiate hostage situations with Hamas. Some Western countries are preparing to formally recognize Palestinian statehood amid escalating violence.
In Ukraine, a large-scale attack by Russian forces targeted several regions, leading to casualties and further exacerbating the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as deliberate strategies to intimidate civilians. Concurrently, Ukrainian drones targeted an energy facility in southwestern Russia, reflecting the ongoing complexities of the situation.
