Trump's TikTok deal payment criticized as 'shake-down scheme' by experts

NPRFriday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00:00 AM
NegativeScience
Trump's TikTok deal payment criticized as 'shake-down scheme' by experts
Experts are raising concerns over the U.S. government's decision to impose a multibillion-dollar fee on American investors acquiring TikTok, labeling it as a potential 'shake-down scheme.' This move has sparked a debate about the ethics of such financial demands, with critics arguing that it resembles extortion rather than a legitimate business transaction. The implications of this deal could affect not only the future of TikTok but also the broader landscape of international investments in the tech sector.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Trump’s Pharma Tariffs Spare Richest Drugmakers
NegativeScience
Recent developments reveal that President Trump's tariffs on pharmaceuticals are favoring the wealthiest drugmakers, raising concerns about the impact on healthcare costs for everyday Americans. This situation highlights the ongoing debate over drug pricing and access to essential medications, as many fear that the burden of these tariffs will ultimately fall on consumers rather than the companies profiting from them.
Trump’s Pharma Tariffs Spare Richest Drugmakers
NegativeScience
Recent developments reveal that President Trump's tariffs on pharmaceuticals are favoring the wealthiest drugmakers, raising concerns about the impact on healthcare costs for everyday Americans. This situation highlights the ongoing debate over drug pricing and access to essential medications, as many fear that the burden of these tariffs will ultimately fall on consumers rather than the companies profiting from them.
'If there is a space race, China's already winning it': NASA unlikely to bring Mars samples back to Earth before China does, experts say
NegativeScience
Experts suggest that if a space race is underway, China is currently in the lead, particularly in the quest to return Mars samples to Earth. This is significant because it highlights the growing competition in space exploration, where technological advancements and achievements could shift global power dynamics. As nations strive for supremacy in space, the implications for international relations and scientific collaboration could be profound.
'If there is a space race, China's already winning it': NASA unlikely to bring Mars samples back to Earth before China does, experts say
NegativeScience
Experts suggest that if a space race is underway, China is currently in the lead, particularly in the quest to return Mars samples to Earth. This is significant because it highlights the growing competition in space exploration, where technological advancements and achievements could shift global power dynamics. As nations strive for supremacy in space, the implications for international relations and scientific collaboration could be profound.
Trump May Try to Force Drugmakers to Match European Prices
NeutralScience
Former President Donald Trump is considering a strategy to compel drug manufacturers to align their prices with those in Europe. This move could potentially lower medication costs for Americans, reflecting ongoing debates about healthcare affordability. By pushing for price matching, Trump aims to address concerns over high prescription drug prices, which have been a significant issue for many families.
Trump May Try to Force Drugmakers to Match European Prices
NeutralScience
Former President Donald Trump is considering a strategy to compel drug manufacturers to align their prices with those in Europe. This move could potentially lower medication costs for Americans, reflecting ongoing debates about healthcare affordability. By pushing for price matching, Trump aims to address concerns over high prescription drug prices, which have been a significant issue for many families.
Don’t look up: how Trump’s deregulation drive could obscure the stars and threaten our access to space
NegativeScience
Astronomers are raising alarms about the impact of satellite constellations, particularly SpaceX's Starlink, on their research. With Donald Trump's administration pushing for extensive deregulation, the night sky is becoming increasingly cluttered, making it harder for scientists to observe celestial phenomena. This situation is concerning not just for astronomers but for everyone who values our access to space and the wonders it holds.
Don’t look up: how Trump’s deregulation drive could obscure the stars and threaten our access to space
NegativeScience
Astronomers are raising alarms about the impact of satellite constellations, particularly SpaceX's Starlink, on their research. With Donald Trump's administration pushing for extensive deregulation, the night sky is becoming increasingly cluttered, making it harder for scientists to observe celestial phenomena. This situation is concerning not just for astronomers but for everyone who values our access to space and the wonders it holds.
Trump advances TikTok deal with new executive order
PositiveScience
Former President Trump has taken a significant step in advancing a deal that would transfer a majority stake in TikTok to a group of U.S. investors. This new executive order confirms that the arrangement meets the requirements set by Congress, ensuring that the popular social media platform can continue operating in the United States. This development is crucial as it addresses national security concerns while allowing TikTok to remain accessible to millions of users.
Trump advances TikTok deal with new executive order
PositiveScience
Former President Trump has taken a significant step in advancing a deal that would transfer a majority stake in TikTok to a group of U.S. investors. This new executive order confirms that the arrangement meets the requirements set by Congress, ensuring that the popular social media platform can continue operating in the United States. This development is crucial as it addresses national security concerns while allowing TikTok to remain accessible to millions of users.
Trump's TikTok deal terms criticized by experts as a 'shakedown'
NegativeScience
Experts are raising concerns over the U.S. government's multibillion-dollar fee imposed on American investors taking over TikTok, labeling it as a form of 'extortion.' This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding technology and data privacy, and it raises questions about the fairness and legality of such financial demands. As the deal unfolds, it could set a precedent for future negotiations involving foreign tech companies.
Trump signs order clearing way for takeover of U.S. version of app
PositiveScience
President Trump has taken a significant step by signing an order that paves the way for a consortium of U.S. investors to acquire the popular video app. This move is crucial as it not only supports American businesses but also ensures that the app remains operational in the U.S. market, with Oracle playing a key role in the new venture. This development is likely to have a positive impact on the tech landscape and user experience.
Latest from Science
The tug-of-war between engineering and design to build the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
PositiveScience
The Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro has emerged as a tougher version of the popular family SUV, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the engineering and design teams. Their agreement on key features like dimensions and recovery hook placement highlights the importance of teamwork in automotive innovation. This development matters because it not only enhances the vehicle's functionality but also appeals to consumers looking for a robust and stylish SUV.
This ‘funny-looking rock’ holds 3,000 years of Iron Age secrets
PositiveScience
A recent discovery highlights a peculiar rock that has been linked to 3,000 years of Iron Age history, suggesting that early experimentation with copper played a crucial role in the development of iron-making techniques. This finding not only sheds light on ancient technological advancements but also emphasizes the importance of copper in the evolution of metallurgy, showcasing how past innovations continue to influence modern science.
Mysterious cosmic explosion can't be explained, scientists say
NeutralScience
A recent discovery of a gamma-ray burst outside the Milky Way has left scientists puzzled, as it defies previous explanations. This mysterious cosmic explosion could potentially be connected to the elusive intermediate-mass black holes, which are still not fully understood. The significance of this finding lies in its potential to reshape our understanding of black holes and the universe, sparking further research and exploration in astrophysics.
Redesigned umbrella is smaller than an iPhone
PositiveScience
The newly redesigned 'Simprella' umbrella is making waves for its compact size, being smaller than an iPhone and weighing less than a few Snickers bars. This innovation not only makes it incredibly portable but also highlights advancements in design that cater to modern lifestyles. As people seek convenience in their daily lives, the Simprella could become a must-have accessory for those on the go.
Our reviewer's 'go-to' sports watch has just dropped to its lowest-ever price
PositiveScience
Great news for sports enthusiasts! The Suunto Race GPS sports watch is now available at its lowest price ever, with a fantastic $130 discount just in time for Amazon Prime Day in October. This deal not only makes it more accessible for those looking to enhance their fitness tracking but also highlights the growing trend of affordable, high-quality sports technology. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grab a top-rated watch that can elevate your training experience.
Trump’s Pharma Tariffs Spare Richest Drugmakers
NegativeScience
Recent developments reveal that President Trump's tariffs on pharmaceuticals are favoring the wealthiest drugmakers, raising concerns about the impact on healthcare costs for everyday Americans. This situation highlights the ongoing debate over drug pricing and access to essential medications, as many fear that the burden of these tariffs will ultimately fall on consumers rather than the companies profiting from them.