Mexican business tycoon&nbsp;Ricardo Salinas Pliego has been vocal about his unwavering faith in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) while voicing an equally strong disdain for fiat currencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fiat Is A Fraud, Banks Are Not Safe, Says Salinas</h2>



During an interview with Bitcoin maximalist&nbsp;Robert Breedlove, Salinas described fiat as the &#8220;biggest fraud&#8221; and said that the only way to escape it is through Bitcoin.



Salinas, who co-founded one of Mexico&#8217;s biggest commercial banks, Banco Azteca, said that people are mistaken if they feel money deposited in a bank is safe.



&#8220;People think that they took the money to the bank, put it there, and that it&#8217;s probably sitting in a vault in the backside of the bank. It&#8217;s not like that,&#8221; Mexico&#8217;s third-richest person said. &#8220;The money is gone. It&#8217;s been loaned to somebody to buy a house.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Billionaire: &quot;Sell Your Home. Buy Bitcoin.&quot; — Ricardo Salinas" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUVIDbYS-Ak?start=5&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47743954/nba-star-kevin-durant-forgot-his-coinbase-password-and-bitcoin-soared-11000">NBA Star Kevin Durant Forgot His Coinbase Password—And Bitcoin Soared 11,000%</a>



He further argued that people don&#8217;t realize that they are trapped in a &#8220;matrix&#8221; where they will never be free, and are condemned to remain &#8220;forever slaves&#8221; to the big government.



&#8220;But I would like to say that most of us don&#8217;t like it. We like to be free, in control of our own decisions. And the sooner we get illustrated by Bitcoin, yeah, the better,&#8221; Salinas said, underscoring the top cryptocurrency&#8217;s oft-repeated decentralized ethos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salinas Holds 80% Of His Wealth In Bitcoin</h2>



Salinas, who has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/ricardo-salinas-pliego/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net worth&nbsp;</a>of over $5 billion, stated earlier this year that Bitcoin-related investments account for 80% of his wealth, with the remainder in gold. He said he has little to no exposure to stocks.



He began investing in Bitcoin w<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/09/34330634/billionaire-reveals-portfolio-why-hes-betting-on-bitcoin-microstrategy-and-crypto-miners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hen it was around $200</a>&nbsp;and went through its highs and lows, ending in one of his most profitable moves when he sold his Bitcoin for roughly $17,000.



Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $117,209, up 0.46% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Photo Courtesy CKA on Shutterstock.com



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47744499/michael-saylor-ignore-the-critics-and-the-whiners-bitcoin-is-digital-capital-fueling-a-rebuild-of-finance">Michael Saylor: Ignore &#8216;The Critics And The Whiners&#8217; — Bitcoin Is &#8216;Digital Capital&#8217; Fueling A Rebuild Of Finance</a></li>
</ul>

Cryptocurrency

News

Markets

$BTC

$POL

$USDC

Mexican Billionaire, Who Set Up One of the Nation's Top Banks, Called Dollar-Like Fiat Money The 'Biggest Fraud' And Sees Bitcoin As The Only Escape

Cryptocurrency markets are trading lower on Friday, erasing all of their post-FOMC gains.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$115,346.95</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$4,461.67</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>$237.58</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$3.00</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.2656</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td>(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001287</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Coinglass data shows 120,795 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $321.54 million.</li>



<li>In the past 24 hours, top losers include MYX Finance (CRYPTO: MYX), Fartcoin (CRYPTO: FARTCOIN) and SPX6900 (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SPX</a>). </li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47756780/communist-laos-looking-to-turn-extra-hydropower-into-crypto-mining-to-tackle-debt-report">Communist Laos Looking To Turn Extra Hydropower Into Crypto Mining To Tackle Debt: Report</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47755144/brera-holdings-becomes-solmate-records-225-jump-after-announcing-solana-treasury-strategy-rally-simmers-down-after-hours">Brera Holdings Becomes &#8216;Solmate,&#8217; Records 225% Jump After Announcing Solana Treasury Strategy — Rally Simmers Down After Hours</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47764383/bitcoin-bet-ignites-rally-zooz-becomes-first-nasdaq-tase-firm-to-adopt-treasury-reserve-mode">Bitcoin Bet Ignites Rally: ZOOZ Becomes First Nasdaq–TASE Firm To Adopt Treasury Reserve Mode</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47761609/xrp-etf-sets-record-for-2025-launch-volumes-doge-etf-ranks-in-top-five-is-this-a-digital-asset-revolution">XRP ETF Sets Record For 2025 Launch Volumes, DOGE ETF Ranks In Top Five: Is This A &#8216;Digital Asset Revolution&#8217;?</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47756557/michael-saylor-hints-at-selling-bitcoin-to-fund-mstr-dividends-in-worst-case-scenario-short-seller-jim-chanos-calls-it-financial-gibberish">Michael Saylor Hints At Selling Bitcoin To Fund MSTR Dividends In &#8216;Worst-Case Scenario,&#8217; Short-Seller Jim Chanos Calls It &#8216;Financial Gibberish&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Trader Notes: Crypto trader Scient <a href="https://x.com/Crypto_Scient/status/1969078936928993613">said</a> Bitcoin has been consolidating under $117,000 for a week, forming higher highs and lows inside a rising channel. While support sits at $112,000, the setup favors an upside breakout unless bears gain momentum.



Trader CW pointed to a strong buy wall that holds down to $114,700.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> has once again reached a buy wall. This buy wall exist until 114.7k. <a href="https://t.co/Zyt1Y5ekY3">pic.twitter.com/Zyt1Y5ekY3</a>&mdash; CW (@CW8900) <a href="https://twitter.com/CW8900/status/1969101024938901548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



CryptoUB <a href="https://x.com/CryptoUB/status/1969050298854314247">noted</a> that Bitcoin is trading inside a clean range, with consolidation above $115,200 that suggests a bounce is likely. But he cautioned that losing $114,500 could trigger downside into the weekend.



Castillo Trading <a href="https://x.com/CastilloTrading/status/1969031081904287948">highlighted</a> the post-FOMC lull, saying this weekend should reveal whether Bitcoin and Ethereum have real strength or if it's still a waiting game.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47768691/bitcoin-stalls-near-116000-again-what-is-going-on">Bitcoin Stalls Near $116,000 (Again): What Is Going On?</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Short Sellers

$DOGE

$ETH

$SHIB

$SOL

$SPX

$XRP

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Dip: The Level To Watch On The Weekend

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



Wall Street posted record-high closes after the Fed's first interest-rate cut of 2025 and news that Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) will invest $5 billion in Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>). Intel surged nearly 23%, its largest one-day gain since 1987, while Nvidia rose about 3.5%. The rally lifted the Nasdaq, S&amp;P 500, and small-cap indexes like the Russell 2000.



The rate cut came amid signs of a softening jobs market and lower unemployment claims, which bolstered hopes for more easing. Treasury yields ticked up as investors parsed inflation persistence vs economic cooling.



Looking ahead, markets will be watching future Fed guidance closely, especially signals around subsequent rate cuts. Tech and semiconductor sectors are likely to remain key drivers, while inflation data and labor trends will test whether current valuations are sustainable.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.







The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47751691/intel-stock-has-best-day-ever-jensen-huang-says-nvidia-will-be-a-very-large-customer?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Intel stock has best day ever: Jensen Huang says Nvidia will be a ‘very large customer'"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) soared ~23% — its biggest single-day gain ever — after Jensen Huang of Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) revealed a partnership in which Nvidia will become "a very large customer" of Intel CPUs, while also supplying "GPU chiplets" for integration into Intel's products, combining Intel's x86 hardware with Nvidia's graphics and AI components.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/09/47751514/fedex-stock-jumps-on-q1-earnings-beat?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"FedEx stock jumps on Q1 earnings beat"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) beat expectations with Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue of $22.2 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $3.83 (vs $3.62 expected), driven by cost savings, stronger U.S. domestic parcel volumes and higher yields — while also completing $500 million in buybacks and reaffirming a 4–6% revenue growth outlook for the year.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47727801/ionq-signs-doe-deal-to-advance-quantum-technologies-in-space-shares-jump-to-all-time-highs?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"IonQ signs DOE deal to advance quantum technologies in space, shares jump to all-time highs"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that IonQ Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>) jumped after signing a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to demo quantum-secure communications from space, a deal that came as the company acquired Vector Atomic, furthered its quantum sensing capabilities, and hit new record share prices.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/biotech/25/09/47742929/novo-nordisk-poised-for-unh-style-comeback-new-data-ai-boost-signal-reversal">Novo Nordisk Poised For UNH-Style Comeback: New Data &amp; AI Boost Signal Reversal</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/small-cap/25/09/47749376/russell-2000-hits-all-time-highs-8-stocks-power-small-cap-comeback">Russell 2000 Hits All-Time Highs: 8 Stocks Power Small-Cap Comeback</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/09/47745290/tesla-stock-price-forecast-elon-musk-pay-deliveries">Tesla Stock Surged 1,350% After Musk's Last Pay Plan — New Package Could Ignite Gains, Analyst Says</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/09/47727200/cracker-barrel-stock-falls-on-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-miss-soft-guidance-and-more?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Cracker Barrel stock falls on Q4 earnings: revenue beat, EPS miss, soft guidance and more"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBRL#NASDAQ">CBRL</a>) shares dropped sharply after its fiscal Q4 showed revenue of $868.09 million beating expectations, but adjusted earnings of $0.74 per share missed the $0.80 analyst estimate; comparable restaurant sales rose 5.8% while retail sales fell 0.8%, and guidance for fiscal 2026 was soft with revenue projected between $3.35–$3.45 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $150–$190 million — pressured further by backlash over a logo rebrand, traffic declines, and weaker investor sentiment.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/09/47680070/dave-busters-stock-tumbles-on-double-miss-for-q2?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Dave &amp; Buster's stock tumbles on double miss for Q2"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Dave &amp; Buster's Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLAY#NASDAQ">PLAY</a>) shares dropped about 15.25% after the Q2 results showed revenue of $557.41 million, missing consensus of $562.78 million, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.40, falling well short of the $0.92 expected, while comparable store sales fell 3%.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/09/47728567/nucor-stock-dives-after-steelmaker-cuts-q3-earnings-outlook?utm_source=chatgpt.com">"Nucor stock dives after steelmaker cuts Q3 earnings outlook"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Nucor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) stock plunged after it forecasted third-quarter earnings of $2.05 to $2.15 per share, well below the $2.61 Wall Street estimate, citing expected earnings declines across all three of its operating segments — even its steel-products and raw materials businesses — due to volume drops, metal price compression, and higher costs.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/fda/25/09/47671456/atyr-pharma-stock-sinks-plans-fda-review-after-mixed-phase-3-results">ATyr Pharma Stock Sinks, Plans FDA Review After Mixed Phase 3 Results</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47693198/oscar-health-stock-is-tumbling-tuesday-whats-going-on">Oscar Health Stock Is Tumbling Tuesday: What's Going On?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47693168/rocket-lab-stock-is-sliding-tuesday-heres-why">Rocket Lab Stock Is Sliding Tuesday: Here's Why</a>







Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

ATYR

CBRL

INTC

IONQ

NVDA

OSCR

PLAY

RKLB

TSLA

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Intel, FedEx, Cracker Barrel — And Markets Close At Record Highs

Wall Street climbed to fresh record highs after the Federal Reserve delivered its first interest rate cut in nine months — hinting that more reductions could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/09/47723450/federal-reserve-interest-rate-decision-september-2025-dot-plot-economic-projections">be on the way.</a>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>VOO ETF has set new all-time highs this week. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VOO">Check live chart here. </a></li>
</ul>



On Thursday, the S&amp;P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/small-cap/25/09/47749376/russell-2000-hits-all-time-highs-8-stocks-power-small-cap-comeback">small-cap Russell 2000</a> all closed at all-time highs as investors celebrated the Fed's move.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fed Rate Cuts</h2>



At its September meeting, the central bank lowered rates by 25 basis points to a target range of 4%–4.25%, in line with expectations, as policymakers shifted their focus toward a cooling labor market.



The decision wasn't unanimous: Fed Gov. Stephen Miran — appointed by President Donald Trump to replace Adriana Kugler, who resigned last month — argued for a deeper 50-basis-point cut.



Fed Chair Jerome Powell called the move a "risk management cut," stressing that the Fed acted preemptively to avoid a sharper labor market slowdown. He also played down inflationary pressures from tariffs, describing them as a temporary, one-off factor in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/09/47726901/tech-stocks-reactions-fed-jerome-powell-speech-interest-rates">Fed's baseline outlook.</a>



&#8220;A reasonable base case is that the [tariff] effects on inflation will be relatively short-lived,&#8221; Powell said.



The Fed's updated projections raised both growth and inflation estimates. Yet its rate forecast painted a more aggressive cutting path: two more reductions by the end of 2025, followed by one each in 2026 and 2027.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Will Rate Cuts Impact Homebuyers?</h2>



Rate-sensitive sectors are already showing signs of revival. Mortgage demand spiked ahead of the Fed's decision, with homebuyers rushing to refinance. 



In the week ending Sept. 12, total mortgage applications surged 29.7% from the prior week, while refinancing activity jumped 57.7% — the highest level since March 2022, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/09/47738832/mortgage-interest-rates-federal-reserve-refinancing-real-estate-stocks">the Mortgage Bankers Association.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Intel&#8217;s Surge</h2>



Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) was the standout stock of the week. Shares jumped 23% on Thursday after NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDIA#NASDAQ">NVDIA</a>) revealed a $5 billion investment in Intel common stock at $23.28 per share, giving it roughly a 5% stake. The investment is part of a broader partnership to co-develop multiple generations of custom chips for data centers and PCs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ford Slumps, Auto Recall</h2>



Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), meanwhile, posted its third straight weekly loss. The automaker recalled 101,944 U.S. vehicles after regulators warned that faulty door trim could detach while driving, posing a crash risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.



Read Now:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47763558/nvidia-intel-deal-implications-amd-arm-synopsis-analysts">Nvidia And Intel Just Changed The AI Game—And The Pressure on AMD And ARM Is Rising</a></li>
</ul>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Economics

Federal Reserve

Tech

ETFs

NVDIA

Wall Street Tops Record Highs As Fed Cuts Rates, Signals More Ahead: This Week In Markets

According to the recent YouGov/Economist poll, President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating has taken a nosedive, reaching its lowest point in his second term.



The survey conducted last week has shown a significant drop in President Trump&#8217;s approval rating. The poll revealed that only 39% of Americans surveyed approved of Trump&#8217;s presidency, a decline from the 41% recorded over the previous three weeks and 40% in mid-August.



This latest <a href="https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/52988-donald-trump-job-approval-presidential-attributes-charlie-kirk-shooting-political-violence-political-parties-democratic-party-republican-party-jeffrey-epstein-immigration-september-12-15-2025-economist-yougov-poll">survey </a>also marked a record for Trump&#8217;s second term, with 57% of Americans expressing disapproval of his handling of the presidency. 



The poll indicated a net approval of minus 18, the second-lowest recorded by the YouGov/Economist weekly poll during either of Trump&#8217;s terms.



Despite the overall decline, Trump&#8217;s approval rating remained higher among registered voters, with 43% approval. 



Among 2024 Trump voters, 86% approved of his performance, while 88% of Republicans and 81% of conservatives expressed approval. However, 64% of independent voters and 65% of moderates disapproved of Trump&#8217;s handling of his job.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266316/donald-trumps-approval-rating-jumps-among-baby-boomers-heres-whats-driving-it">Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Jumps Among Baby Boomers — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving It</a>



The survey, conducted from September 12 to 15, included 1,567 respondents and has a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points. The drop in President Trump&#8217;s approval rating is significant as it comes in his second term, a time when the president would typically hope to consolidate support. 



The fact that the approval rating has reached a record low could indicate growing dissatisfaction among the American public with Trump&#8217;s handling of his presidency. 



The high disapproval rate among independent voters and moderates could be particularly concerning for the Trump administration, as these groups can often be pivotal in elections.



The survey results may also reflect the impact of recent events and policy decisions on public opinion. 



However, it&#8217;s worth noting that despite the overall decline, Trump&#8217;s approval rating remains relatively high among his core voter base, including Republicans and conservatives. 



This suggests that while his overall approval rating may have dropped, his support within his party remains strong.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45482902/poll-shows-trumps-approval-rating-underwater-on-nearly-everything-from-economy-to-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poll Shows Trump's Approval Rating Underwater on Nearly Everything From Economy to Abortion</a>

Politics

Donald Trump's Approval Rating Crashes to Record Low — Here's What's Driving the Decline

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is trading near $115,000 as traders eye September 21, a date that could prove pivotal in shaping the crypto king's trajectory through the rest of 2025.



What Happened: Network economist and author Timothy Peterson <a href="https://x.com/nsquaredvalue/status/1969062872526295527">identified</a> September 21 as "Bitcoin Bottom Day." Historically, Bitcoin finishes the year higher about 70% of the time after this date, with a median gain above 50%.



Exceptions only occurred in 2018 and 2022, both deep bear markets that do not apply to the current cycle. Accounting for current conditions, Peterson estimates the odds of upside closer to 90%, and almost a 100% probability of BTC trading higher six months out.



Peterson added that this cycle likely set a permanent $100,000 floor, with at least a 70% chance Bitcoin never revisits lower levels.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47758952/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-dip-as-traders-lock-in-profit">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Dip As Traders Lock In Profit</a>



What's Next: In a recent CNBC Squawk Box <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/">interview,</a> Winklevoss twins see Bitcoin's rally will not stop anytime soon. They expect the crypto king to reach $1 million over the next decade. He quoted, "It's still very much the bottom of the first inning because we see Bitcoin trading at $1 million a BTC, if it disrupts gold. And we think Bitcoin is Gold 2.0."



The Gemini co-founders made their appearance ahead of the company's initial public offering, which was priced at $28 per share last week valuing the crypto exchange at $3.3 billion.



A crypto trader Jackis <a href="https://x.com/i_am_jackis/status/1968264768172483011">said</a> that if you follow the Bitcoin 4-year cycle, your sell window closes by mid-October 2025. The model assumes 2026 is a bear year, but that ignores supply/demand and macro factors. History shows cycles work until they don't. He advises best approach is to ride the trend while it lasts.



If Peterson's thesis holds, September 21 could mark a defining inflection point for Bitcoin, locking in $100,000 as a permanent floor and fuelling the next leg higher.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47740208/golden-trump-bitcoin-statue-appears-in-dc-statue-of-liberty-walked-so-statue-of-gold-trump-with-btc-could-run">Golden Trump Bitcoin Statue Appears In DC: &#8216;Statue Of Liberty Walked So Statue Of Gold Trump With BTC Could Run&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

'Bitcoin Bottom Day' Tomorrow Could Define Trend – Expert Predicts 70% Chance BTC Secures $100K Floor"

For millions of Americans, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/47150609/social-security-expands-compassionate-allowances-list-with-13-new-conditions-fast-tracking-disability-benefits-for-severely-ill-americans">Social Security Disability Insurance</a> benefits are a lifeline. But sometimes, recipients receive what one benefits recipient described as "the letter nobody wants to get" — a notice that their benefits are scheduled to end. The letter often arrives after a Continuing Disability Review, the Social Security Administration's process to determine whether someone still qualifies as disabled under federal rules.



A <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1nbpory/so_i_recieved_the_letter_from_ssdi_that_nobody/">recent post</a> in the r/SocialSecurity community shared one such experience, sparking hundreds of comments from others who had been through the appeals process. The thread highlights just how confusing and overwhelming benefit terminations can be, particularly for recipients without legal help.



Don't Miss:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>They Sold Their Last Real Estate Company for Nearly $1B — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/built-by-mainstreet">Now They're Building the Future of U.S. Industrial Growth</a></li>



<li>Kevin O'Leary Says Real Estate's Been a Smart Bet for 200 Years — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mogul">This Platform Lets Anyone Tap Into It</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Benefits May Stop</h2>



The SSA reviews disability cases every few years. How often depends on whether medical improvement is considered likely, possible, or not expected. If the agency determines that a recipient's condition has improved enough to allow for substantial work, or if the person is earning above certain income thresholds, they can stop benefits.



In this case, the original poster explained that they had undergone medical evaluations with both a heart specialist and a psychiatrist before being told their SSDI and Medicare would end in December.&nbsp;



"I have 60 days to appeal, but I certainly can&#8217;t afford an attorney, nor am I one," the poster wrote. "That will render me homeless by February most likely."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Step: File an Appeal</h2>



Many commenters urged the poster to act quickly. By law, recipients have 60 days to file an appeal after receiving a termination notice. Importantly, one commenter noted that a recipient can request that benefits continue during the appeal process — but that request must be filed within 10 days of receiving the letter.



Trending: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed Marketplace—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip">Now You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform</a>



The tradeoff is that if the appeal is denied, any continued benefits may have to be repaid. Still, advocates say filing promptly is the most important step to avoid gaps in coverage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do You Need a Lawyer?</h2>



The original poster expressed concern about not being able to afford legal help. While some people do handle appeals on their own, many commenters stressed that an attorney can improve the chances of success. Disability <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/09/47641564/to-fill-vacant-positions-after-waves-of-firings-many-federal-scientists-lawyers-and-experts-now-have-to-work-in-roles-they-dont-understand">lawyers</a> typically work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of back pay if the appeal succeeds — meaning no upfront cost.



Not all attorneys accept CDR appeals, since back pay amounts are often smaller than in new disability claims. Still, resources exist. Some suggested reaching out to local disability rights or rehabilitation centers for free guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strengthening the Case</h2>



Several commenters emphasized that the key to a successful appeal is medical evidence. Updated doctor's notes, new test results, and detailed explanations of how a condition limits daily activities can help. The SSA provides forms, such as the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-3441.pdf">Disability Report – Appeal</a>, which allow recipients to submit new medical information.



Others advised requesting an in-person hearing with an administrative law judge rather than opting for phone or video, noting that live hearings may offer a better chance to present evidence effectively.



See Also: Backed by $300M+ in Assets and Microsoft's Climate Fund, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/farmland-lp">Farmland LP</a> Opens Vital Farmland III to Accredited Investors



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Recipients Should Know</h2>



The SSA outlines four ways to appeal:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Reconsideration</li>



<li>Hearing with an administrative law judge</li>



<li>Review by the Appeals Council</li>



<li>Federal court review</li>
</ol>



Most cases are resolved in the earlier stages, but persistence can matter. For those facing termination, acting quickly, gathering medical evidence, and seeking professional or community support are the best first steps.



Read Next: The ECG Hasn't Changed in 100 Years — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/heart-sciences">This AI Upgrade Could Help Detect Heart Disease Years Earlier</a>



Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

'The Letter Nobody Wants to Get': SSDI Recipient Told Benefits Will End, Unsure How To Appeal

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Russia's incursion into Estonia's airspace "could be big trouble," as NATO scrambled fighter jets and Baltic leaders called for urgent consultations under Article 4.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Russian Jets Cross Into Estonia</h2>



Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace Friday morning, flying over the NATO member for 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35s deployed under the alliance's air policing mission, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d23923bb-805e-4ad5-b8eb-951b0c47a36a">reported</a> the Financial Times.



NATO condemned the action as a "reckless" provocation, underscoring growing security risks on Europe's eastern flank.



Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the breach was "completely unacceptable" and confirmed Estonia had formally requested NATO Article 4 consultations to coordinate a collective response.



Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna added that the violation was "unprecedentedly brazen" and marked the fourth Russian incursion into Estonia's skies this year.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/09/47657889/trump-to-seal-us-uk-tech-pact-on-ai-chips-and-quantum-computing-during-london-visit-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump To Seal US-UK Tech Pact On AI, Chips And Quantum Computing During London Visit: Report</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Reacts To NATO Incursion</h2>



When asked about the incident, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, "Well, I'm gonna have to look at it. They'll be briefing me in a short while."



Pressed further, he added, "Well, I don't love it, I don't love it…Could be big trouble."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Q: Russian jets entered Estonia&#39;s airspace today for 12 minutes. Do you see that as a threat to NATO? TRUMP: Well, I&#39;m gonna have to look at it. They&#39;ll be briefing me in a short while. <a href="https://t.co/K4HnvfY8IT">pic.twitter.com/K4HnvfY8IT</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1969144112860303854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



His remarks came just hours after Estonia summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires over the violation.



EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also described the incident as an "extremely dangerous provocation," noting it was the third airspace violation against an EU or NATO member in just over a week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional Concerns Mount</h2>



The latest airspace breach follows a series of confrontations: NATO jets shot down Russian drones that crossed into Poland last week and intercepted another in Romanian airspace days later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Sanctions Strategy On Russia</h2>



Earlier this month, Trump said he was "ready to do <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/09/47657942/trump-links-sanctions-on-russia-to-nato-unity-calls-out-hungary-and-slovakia-over-oil-purchases">major sanctions on Russia</a>," but only if NATO countries agreed to act in unison and halt Russian oil imports.



Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the plan, arguing that unified sanctions would cut off "revenues funding Putin's war machine."



Trump also linked the Russia strategy to China, urging allies to impose "50% to 100% tariffs on China" until the Ukraine war ends, stating the move would break Beijing's "grip" over Moscow.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/09/47657565/trump-forewarns-of-massive-debt-if-supreme-court-reverses-tariffs-we-would-have-give-back-trillions-and-trillions-of-dollars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Forewarns Of Massive Debt If Supreme Court Reverses Tariffs: ‘We Would Have Give Back Trillions And Trillions Of Dollars'</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image Via Shutterstock

Trump Warns Russia As Fighter Jets Breach NATO Airspace: 'I Don't Love It…Could Be Big Trouble'

Four former Intel directors, including former U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and former FCC Chair Reed Hundt, are calling for Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) to go private as the company struggles to regain its footing in the global semiconductor market.



Writing in <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/09/19/time-for-intel-to-go-private-nvidia-government-trump/">Fortune</a>, they argued that Intel's conglomerate structure is outdated and that separating design and manufacturing units is critical to restoring competitiveness.



Check out the current price of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/intc">INTC stock here</a>. 



Intel, once the undisputed leader in both chip design and fabrication, has faced years of declining performance while rivals like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) surged ahead. Now, with the Donald Trump-led U.S. government holding just under a 10% stake and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47737575/nvidia-breathes-new-life-in-intel-stock-with-5-billion-deal">owning about 5%</a>, the former directors see an opening. "Without the pressure of delivering quarterly earnings, a private Intel could divide itself into parts that no longer make sense to be conjoined," they wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Government Orchestration Required</h2>



Their proposal calls for the government, alongside major U.S. tech firms such as Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), to buy out Intel's public shareholders. The company's manufacturing arm could then be rebuilt into a foundry capable of challenging TSMC, while design businesses for personal computers, servers, and autonomous driving (via its Mobileye subsidiary) could be sold or spun out. They estimate the foundry has a book value of $70 billion but needs as much as $100 billion in new capital to compete globally.



The move follows a dramatic 28% surge in Intel's stock price following Thursday&#8217;s announcement.



Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan lately called the partnership both personal and strategic, praising Nvidia&#8217;s Jensen Huang as a &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47754655/jensen-huang-is-a-good-friend-says-intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-amid-news-of-partnership-with-nvidia-next-era-of-computing-coming">good friend</a>&#8221; and stressing how their collaboration will play a key role in shaping the future of AI infrastructure and personal computing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plan Echoes General Electric's Breakup</h2>



The plan echoes General Electric's breakup, which unlocked shareholder value after years of stagnation. Critics may argue Intel can recover without intervention, but the former directors say such expectations are unrealistic in today's market. "Hope is not a strategy," they noted, stressing that only government-led restructuring can deliver long-term security for America's chip ecosystem.



If executed, they argue, the overhaul could be completed within a year, creating jobs, safeguarding national security, and generating potentially hundreds of billions in taxpayer returns.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/09/47776615/dave-ramseys-zero-credit-doctrine-challenged-by-protege-the-new-rules-for-building-wealth-in-2025">Dave Ramsey&#8217;s &#8216;Zero Credit&#8217; Doctrine Challenged By Protégé: The New Rules For Building Wealth In 2025</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analysts Project Major Revenue Potential</h2>



Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47763558/nvidia-intel-deal-implications-amd-arm-synopsis-analysts">expects</a> the Nvidia-Intel partnership could bring in $25-50 billion in annual revenue over the long term, describing it as a &#8220;historic collaboration.&#8221; Meanwhile, JPMorgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) analyst Harlan Sur kept Nvidia&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/09/47768686/nvidia-is-the-winner-in-intel-partnership-analyst-says-deal-widens-customer-base">Overweight rating at $215</a>, saying that &#8220;more value is expected to go to Nvidia.&#8221;



Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) sees the partnership as a setback for both Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) and Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), potentially weakening AMD&#8217;s position in the enterprise server market.



Price Action: According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/intc">Benzinga Pro</a> data, the California-based tech giant closed at $29.58 on Friday, down by 3.24%.



With strong momentum in the 82nd percentile, Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings show that INTC has a positive price trend over all time periods. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Know how</a> its momentum lines up with other well-known names.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="494" height="301" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19215350/image-355.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1079414" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19215350/image-355.png 494w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19215350/image-355-300x183.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px" /></a></figure>



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/09/47774208/wall-street-record-highs-fed-interest-rates-intel-nvidia">Wall Street Tops Record Highs As Fed Cuts Rates, Signals More Ahead: This Week In Markets</a></li>
</ul>



Image via Shutterstock



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

Government

Contracts

AAPL

AMZN

AVGO

MBLY

MSFT

QCOM

Former Intel Directors Call For Trump And Nvidia To Take Chip Giant Private: 'Hope Is Not A Strategy'

On Friday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted Tesla Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47518118/tesla-board-unveils-900-billion-award-plan-that-could-put-elon-musk-on-trillionaire-track-if-company-hits-wild-targets">proposed $1 trillion compensation plan</a> for CEO Elon Musk, calling it insane, while venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya defended the deal as a performance-based reward tied to revolutionary products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sanders Calls Pay Package Excessive</h2>



In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sanders criticized Tesla's board for proposing what could become one of the largest CEO pay packages in history.



"Tesla is proposing a deal that could give Elon Musk $2 trillion in wealth, more than the bottom 59% of Americans combined. Does anybody in America think this is sane?" he wrote.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Tesla is proposing a deal that could give Elon Musk $2 trillion in wealth, more than the bottom 59% of Americans combined. Does anybody in America think this is sane? <a href="https://t.co/HxQyDMAgxF">pic.twitter.com/HxQyDMAgxF</a>&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1968773368225640930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The package, unveiled in September, would grant Musk up to $900 billion in stock awards if Tesla reaches market capitalization milestones up to $8.5 trillion, according to a proxy filing.



Shareholders are set to vote on the plan at the company's annual meeting on Nov. 6.



Musk currently has a net worth of $440 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47536448/mark-cuban-once-said-first-trillionaire-could-be-one-dude-in-a-basement-now-hes-putting-ai-tools-directly-in-high-school-classrooms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Once Said First Trillionaire Could Be ‘One Dude In A Basement' — Now He's Putting AI Tools Directly In High School Classrooms</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chamath Palihapitiya Pushes Back</h2>



Palihapitiya, a longtime Musk supporter, rejected Sanders' framing, arguing the payout must be earned through consumer adoption of Tesla products.



"Your rhetoric is so corrosive because you sneakily never use words like ‘earn' or ‘reward,'" he posted on X.



"For Elon to earn that kind of money, many tens of millions of people on earth will need to buy Elon's products and pay for it with their hard earned money," Palihapitiya added.



"In order for that to happen, his products will need to be revolutionary, cheap and superior on multiple dimensions. This is not obvious or straightforward."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Your rhetoric is so corrosive because you sneakily never use words like "earn" or "reward". Instead you always favor helplessness words like "give". In everything you say, it's clear you hate personal agency &#8211; it is always about the invisible hand of big brother coming to the… <a href="https://t.co/ECkA5ClkMw">https://t.co/ECkA5ClkMw</a>&mdash; Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) <a href="https://twitter.com/chamath/status/1969054549131555156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tesla Board Chair Denholm Defends Musk's Role</h2>



Earlier this month, Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm also defended the deal, saying it is designed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47518118/tesla-board-unveils-900-billion-award-plan-that-could-put-elon-musk-on-trillionaire-track-if-company-hits-wild-targets">retain Musk and secure his leadership</a> for the next stage of growth.



She said Musk's compensation is not only about money but also about maintaining influence at Tesla.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Sentiment Remains Strong</h2>



Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delaney said Musk's new performance-based award has boosted investor sentiment, noting Tesla's stock has climbed 31.54% month-to-date compared to a 4.20% gain for the S&amp;P 500, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.



Delaney <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/09/47745290/tesla-stock-price-forecast-elon-musk-pay-deliveries">raised his price target on Tesla</a> from $300 to $395, citing improved consumer demand signals and delivery estimates above consensus for the third and fourth quarters.



Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings show that TSLA remains strong over short, medium and long-term periods, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'">further insights available for investors</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound'"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20003954/Screenshot-2025-09-20-at-10.08.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1079506"/></a></figure>



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/09/47725923/tesla-cybertruck-underperformed-in-the-us-will-the-international-launch-be-different" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Cybertruck Underperformed In The US: Will The International Launch Be Different?</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Imagn

Bernie Sanders Rips Into Elon Musk's Tesla Pay Package — But Chamath Palihapitiya Fires Back, Defending It As 'Earned'

On Friday, the Donald Trump administration said it would require companies to pay $100,000 per year for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/47377067/howard-lutnick-calls-h-1b-visa-a-scam-proposes-major-overhaul-gold-card-as-alternatives-going-to-change-the-green-card">each H-1B visa</a>, a dramatic increase that could reshape tech hiring and trigger broader consequences for the U.S. position in the global artificial intelligence race.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Administration Pushes To Overhaul H-1B Program</h2>



The new rule, announced by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is part of President Trump's broader crackdown on immigration since taking office in January, reported Reuters.



Lutnick said the changes are meant to push firms to prioritize domestic workers.



"If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land. Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs," Lutnick said.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/08/47184631/openai-other-tech-giants-bypass-american-workers-favor-h-1b-candidates-through-discriminatory-job-postings-report">H-1B program</a>, which currently issues 65,000 visas annually, with another 20,000 for advanced degree holders, allows companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields. At present, visa fees are only a few thousand dollars.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44828811/intel-growth-challenges-are-not-over-despite-altera-stake-sale-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Growth Challenges Are Not Over Despite Altera Stake Sale: Analyst</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact On Tech Giants And Startups</h2>



The new fee would add millions of dollars in costs for companies, potentially hitting smaller firms hardest.



In the first half of 2025, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and its cloud unit AWS received approvals for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46625150/jd-vance-slams-microsoft-for-firing-americans-relying-on-h-1b-workers-satya-nadella-says-layoffs-are-weighing-heavily-on-him">more than 12,000 H-1B visas</a>, while Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) each had more than 5,000 approvals.



India accounts for 71% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46855092/end-indian-h1-b-visas-says-marjorie-taylor-greene-urges-trump-to-stop-ukraine-weapons-funding">approved H-1B beneficiaries</a>, followed by China at 11.7%, according to government data.



The move could disrupt talent pipelines from both countries, which supply much of Silicon Valley's skilled workforce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analysts Warn Of Offshoring Risk</h2>



Some industry analysts warned the measure could backfire by pushing high-value work abroad.



"In the short term, Washington may collect a windfall; in the long term, the U.S. risks taxing away its innovation edge, trading dynamism for short-sighted protectionism," eMarketer analyst Jeremy Goldman said.



Critics argue the program has been abused by some employers to suppress wages, but supporters—including Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk, himself a former H-1B holder—say it provides critical skills the U.S. labor market lacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Political And Legal Fallout</h2>



The visa overhaul comes alongside a new "gold card" program, allowing individuals to secure U.S. permanent residency by paying $1 million.



The announcement also follows legal pressure: Tesla earlier this month faced a proposed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47655696/tesla-faces-class-action-over-wage-theft-amid-preference-for-h-1b-workers-following-elon-musks-push-to-optimize-visa-practice">class action alleging the</a> company favored foreign visa holders over U.S. citizens in hiring and firing decisions.



Previously, Vice President JD Vance and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have both publicly criticized companies for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/08/46855092/end-indian-h1-b-visas-says-marjorie-taylor-greene-urges-trump-to-stop-ukraine-weapons-funding">pursuing foreign visas</a> while laying off American workers.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47756856/white-house-ai-czar-david-sacks-warns-washington-must-let-us-chipmakers-like-nvidia-sell-abroad-or-risk-forfeiting-ai-race-to-huawei-and-china">White House AI Czar David Sacks Warns Washington Must Let US Chipmakers Like Nvidia Sell Abroad Or Risk Forfeiting AI Race To Huawei And China</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Shutterstock

US To Impose $100,000 Annual Fee On H-1B Visas As Analysts Warn Trump Risks 'Taxing Away' America's Innovation Edge

Former Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) CEO Michael Eisner voiced his support for Jimmy Kimmel after ABC, a Disney-owned network, suspended Kimmel's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47658491/musk-confronts-microsoft-ceo-over-alleged-employee-remarks-on-charlie-kirks-assassination">late-night show indefinitely.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eisner Reacts</h2>



The show&#8217;s suspension came in response to remarks Kimmel made about the killing of Charlie Kirk. 



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47763771/quantumscape-tesla-rumors-swirl-here-are-the-facts">QuantumScape, Tesla Rumors Swirl: Here Are The Facts</a>



In a statement shared on Friday and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/19/jimmy-kimmel-disney-eisner-fcc-abc.html">reported</a> by CNBC, Eisner criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing him of using "out-of-control intimidation" against Disney and ABC in the hours leading up to the decision to pull&nbsp;&#8220;Jimmy Kimmel Live!&#8221;&nbsp;from the air on Wednesday night.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Where has all the leadership gone?  If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment?  The "suspending indefinitely" of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the…&mdash; Michael Eisner (@Michael_Eisner) <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Eisner/status/1969088566098870363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



&#8220;The &#8216;suspending indefinitely&#8217; of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the Chairman of the FCC&#8217;s aggressive yet hollow threatening of the Disney Company is yet another example of out-of-control intimidation,&#8221; Eisner wrote in <a href="https://x.com/Michael_Eisner/status/1969088566098870363">a post </a>on X.



&#8220;Maybe the Constitution should have said, &#8216;Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one's political or financial self-interest.&#8217; By-the-way, for the record, this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny,&#8221; Eisner added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact on Disney</h2>



Following news of Kimmel's suspension, Google Trends<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/09/47749949/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-fallout-cancel-disney-searches-soar-will-comcast-win-with-fallon"> data showed searches </a>for "cancel Disney+" and "cancel Disney plus" hit 12‑month highs, while "cancel Hulu" searches also spiked. 



Rising search volumes of this kind often signal potential subscriber churn, which could mean financial losses for Disney's streaming platforms. 



Though the suspension might improve relations with the White House, Disney now risks reduced viewership, declining advertising revenue, and weakened subscriber numbers.



President Donald Trump, who frequently clashed with Kimmel, said the host's show ended more from poor ratings than talent issues. 



Trump called Kimmel untalented and insisted the suspension was justified. 



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47742879/quantum-stocks-boom-as-ionq-rigetti-join-government-initiatives">Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Management

Former Disney CEO Stands With Jimmy Kimmel: 'Out-Of-Control Intimidation' By FCC

Is TikTok a national security threat, or an opportunity for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42654769/tiktok-ban-under-trump-president-elect-wants-to-keep-months-after-pelosi-said-follow-the-money">U.S. government to cash in</a>? 



In light of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47769904/tiktok-stays-online-as-trump-extends-us-deadline-washington-still-demands-bytedance-divestment">the latest deadline extension</a>, Benzinga decided to explore how a social media platform, popular with millions of Americans, became a lightning rod for U.S. political and regulatory scrutiny. The answer lies at the intersection of foreign ownership and high-stakes corporate deal-making. 



From Trump&#8217;s trade leverage tactics to Biden-era legislation limiting Chinese stakes, TikTok's story reflects broader tensions over tech, geopolitics, and the influence of government in private markets.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47744199/trump-tiktok-us-ipo">What If Trump Forces TikTok Into A U.S. IPO?</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s Happening?</h3>



On Friday, Sept. 19, the TikTok saga approached a pivotal moment in which Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/business/media/trump-china-tiktok-deal.html">discussed</a> a deal to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.



Under the current proposal, Chinese shareholders of ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, would retain a minority stake capped at 20% (a caveat already proposed in 2024 by then-President Joe Biden). 



Therefore, the ownership structure of the video editing app, known for its AI-driven "For You" Page, viral trends, and political discourse among its 170 million U.S. users, stays put for now. That&#8217;s despite lawmakers&#8217; growing concerns of misinformation and data integrity due to Beijing&#8217;s involvement.



But here&#8217;s the thing: TikTok&#8217;s U.S. operations have been majority-owned by U.S.-based institutional investors such as Carlyle Group, General Atlantic, and Susquehanna International Group (roughly 60% of beneficial ownership). That&#8217;s been the case ever since it launched in the U.S. back in 2018. 



Ever since, lawmakers have treated TikTok as a potential national security risk, but there is a lack of evidence. Observers now wonder whether the concerns are genuine, or if the app has simply become a bargaining chip for political and financial leverage. After all, on Thursday, Trump noted that the U.S. would get a &#8220;tremendous fee&#8221; for its efforts. 



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/09/47766219/see-i-cant-be-bought-dude-ridley-scott-says-he-turned-down-20-million-to-direct-terminator-3-after-asking-for-arnold-schwarzeneggers-pay">&#8216;See, I Can&#8217;t Be Bought, Dude&#8217; — Ridley Scott Turned Down $20 Million For Terminator Gig</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who&#8217;s Involved?</h3>



It&#8217;s a who&#8217;s who of deep-pocketed investors—many of them are Trump&#8217;s pals. 



Here&#8217;s the sell side:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Republican megadonor and Susquehanna managing director&nbsp;Jeff Yass, who owns 15% of ByteDance as well as a stake in Trump&#8217;s own social media platform, Truth Social. </li>



<li>Andreessen Horowitz, run by Trump <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marc-andreessen-ben-horowitz-donated-millions-pro-trump-pac-2024-10">donors</a> Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, also owns a stake ByteDance.</li>



<li>Private equity firm KKR &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>), also <a href="https://www.desmog.com/2025/05/01/thames-water-prospective-new-owner-kkr-donated-1-million-donald-trump-inauguration/">a</a> Trump donor.</li>



<li>General Atlantic, which <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/general-atlantic/summary?id=D000033988">supported</a> the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2024.</li>
</ul>



On the buy side:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), whose founder and CTO is octogenarian billionaire Larry Ellison, a 2020 Trump fundraiser. </li>



<li>Oracle CEO&nbsp;Safra Catz&nbsp;also donated to the Trump campaign for the 2020 election. <style>@font-face&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{font-family:"Cambria Math";&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-charset:0;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-generic-font-family:roman;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-pitch:variable;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	panose-1:2 11 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-charset:0;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-generic-font-family:swiss;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-pitch:variable;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-signature:536871559 3 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-style-parent:"";&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	margin-top:0in;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	margin-right:0in;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	margin-bottom:8.0pt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	margin-left:0in;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	line-height:115%;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	font-size:12.0pt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-default-props:yes;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	margin-bottom:8.0pt;&amp;amp;a</style></li>



<li><style>m;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br>	{page:WordSec</style>Rumors suggest U.S. firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Silver Lake are involved as well, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/details-emerge-on-u-s-china-tiktok-deal-594e009f">per</a> The Wall Street Journal. </li>
</ul>



The talks also potentially leave China with some influence. Details on how that will mitigate national security are unclear.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Does It Matter?</h3>



During the Trump administration, TikTok was leveraged in trade negotiations, with threats of bans and tariffs used to pressure China. Trump's preferred solution—a 50-50 joint venture between ByteDance and a U.S. buyer—would still have allowed China substantial control over TikTok's U.S. operations.



Under Biden, Congress and regulators have taken a different approach, framing TikTok as a national security issue. The law now includes stricter safeguards and limits on foreign ownership, reflecting a broader shift in Washington's approach to Chinese tech companies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market and Deal Implications</h3>



The TikTok negotiations are notable not just politically, but also financially. Trump has indicated the U.S. could receive a "tremendous fee" for facilitating the deal, echoing recent government involvement in corporate transactions:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Negotiating a 10% stake in Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</li>



<li>Securing a golden share <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/18/nx-s1-5435364/a-look-at-the-golden-share-agreement-in-the-u-s-steel-nippon-steel-partnership">in</a> U.S. Steel (as part of its sale to Nippon Steel)</li>



<li>Requiring Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) to share 15% of chip sales to China for export licenses</li>
</ul>



These actions illustrate a growing trend of the government stepping into corporate deal-making, raising questions about fairness, precedent, and market stability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">China's Position</h3>



Initially resistant to any forced sale of TikTok, China amended its export control list in 2020 to include algorithms and source code, signaling the strategic value of the technology. Chinese officials ultimately agreed to negotiations, citing mutual interests. Li Chenggang, China's vice minister of commerce, stated in Madrid, "This consensus serves the interests of both sides."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Timeline</h3>



TikTok has repeatedly received extensions to separate from ByteDance. The discussions on Sept. 19 led to another extension. 



Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115231649861246548?tblci=GiD31qPKzhnp1inZxFz2q78TSaBcgv6qN4nPxiVOebY38yCN1VcomLvpo5nNwYLVATDviEo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed</a> on Truth Social that they will hold talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum starting Oct. 31 in Gyeongju, with a potential follow-up trip to China. Trump said the call produced progress on trade, fentanyl, the war in Ukraine, and TikTok, and confirmed he and Xi would continue talks by phone and meet at the APEC summit.



Trump extended TikTok&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47707047/china-secures-win-win-tiktok-deal-with-us-as-trump-extends-deadline-bytedance-hits-330-billion-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. divestment deadline</a> to Dec. 16, allowing the app to continue operating while negotiations with China move forward.



Now Read:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/08/47287571/federal-reserve-jackson-hole-summit-jerome-powell-interest-rates-2025">Why Jackson Hole Is The Fed&#8217;s Mountaintop Moment—And Why It Matters More Than Ever</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Asia

Social Media

ORCL

TikTok Drama Isn't Just About Security—It's About Control Too: What To Know

Market speculation is mounting on a potential tie-up between QuantumScape Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QS#NYSE">QS</a>) and Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>). While no official announcement has been made, there are some notable links between the battery maker<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/09/47757554/stock-market-today-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-mixed-ahead-of-trump-xi-call-fedex-moneyhero-lennar-in-focus"> and the EV giant.&nbsp;</a>



Here's a look at the facts that are fueling the rumors.&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>QS stock has gained 66% this month.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QS"> Check the real-time price action here. </a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Battery Tech Theory&nbsp;</h2>



Retail investors are circulating theories about a potential partnership or supply agreement between Tesla and QuantumScape as the EV industry races to develop advanced solid-state battery technology. 



Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47743954/nba-star-kevin-durant-forgot-his-coinbase-password-and-bitcoin-soared-11000"> NBA Star Kevin Durant Forgot His Coinbase Password—And Bitcoin Soared 11,000%&nbsp;</a>



QuantumScape's breakthrough in anode-free solid-state batteries is a promising advancement in battery chemistry and potentially offers faster-charging, safer, and more energy-dense cells compared to current lithium-ion options.&nbsp;



Tesla is well known for its aggressive pursuit of better battery performance, from increasing range and safety to lowering costs and improving sustainability.&nbsp;



Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly discussed anode-free battery designs, a direction that aligns closely with QuantumScape's innovations.&nbsp;



Investors are also pointing to vague comments from QuantumScape CEO Siva Sivaram about Tesla's patents on anode-free technology.&nbsp;



"It is good to see more people coming around to our way of thinking, and I want to leave it at that," Sivaram answered.&nbsp;



Investors theorize that Tesla could seek to license the tech, form a joint venture or even consider an acquisition of QuantumScape.



Currently, Volkswagen PowerCo is the only <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47552388/quantumscape-qs-stock-surges-after-successful-solid-state-battery-demo-with-volkswagen">formally announced</a> QS partner.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/09/47720646/space-stock-tracker-rocket-lab-tumbles-voyager-deploys-space-edge">Space Stock Tracker: Rocket Lab Tumbles On Offering, Voyager Deploys Space Edge</a>&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Leadership Connection&nbsp;</h2>



Also fueling speculation, JB Straubel—Tesla's former CTO and a key architect of Gigafactory and battery strategy—currently sits on QuantumScape's board.&nbsp;



The leadership overlap suggests at least a mutual awareness of technical milestones and future business interests.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nothing Solid</h2>



There is currently no official partnership, collaboration or supply agreement between Tesla and QuantumScape.&nbsp; Despite repeated industry speculation and technical alignment, all links between the two remain unsubstantiated and purely speculative.&nbsp;



However, retail investors do point to technical, strategic and market factors that could suggest alignment in the future.&nbsp;



QS Price Action: QuantumScape stock has gained 66% over the past month and shares were up 7.5% at $13.04 on Friday, according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw"> Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/09/47742879/quantum-stocks-boom-as-ionq-rigetti-join-government-initiatives">Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives</a> </li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Rumors

QuantumScape, Tesla Rumors Swirl: Here Are The Facts

Jim Chanos Slams Michael Saylor For Spewing &#8216;Financial Gibberish&#8217; As He Hints At Selling Bitcoin Or BTC Options To Fund MSTR Dividends



Famed short-seller Jim Chanos publicly criticized Strategy Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, labeling his latest financial strategy as &#8220;financial gibberish.&#8221;



The critique came after reports that Saylor is open to selling Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) or its options to fund dividend payments for securities the company issued to acquire the cryptocurrency in the first place.



Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR&#8217;s stock price here. </a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saylor&#8217;s &#8216;Worst-Case Scenario&#8217; Plan</h2>



The controversy began after Saylor, speaking at the Bitcoin Treasury Unconference in New York City, suggested a &#8220;worst-case scenario&#8221; plan.



In a Q&amp;A session, he indicated that his firm, formerly known as MicroStrategy, could sell calls or warrants on its Bitcoin holdings, or even liquidate some of the underlying asset itself, to cover dividend obligations.



Following his remarks, MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock saw a nearly 6% jump on Thursday, indicating a positive, if complex, reception from the market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jim Chanos Slams Michael Saylor For &#8216;Financial Gibberish&#8217;</h2>



Chanos, known for his skeptical eye on corporate accounting and financial structures, took to X to voice his disbelief.



&#8220;More financial gibberish from Saylor,&#8221; he posted. &#8220;So $MSTR may sell options on Bitcoin (or sell Bitcoin itself) to finance the dividends on securities he issued to buy Bitcoin?! Lol, ok. (Who falls for this stuff?).&#8221;



Chanos&#8217;s comment highlights what he perceives as a circular and unsustainable financial maneuver.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">More financial gibberish from Saylor. So <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTR</a> may sell options on Bitcoin (or sell Bitcoin itself) to finance the dividends on securities he issued to buy Bitcoin?! Lol, ok. (Who falls for this stuff?) <a href="https://t.co/TkoOm0TCgL">https://t.co/TkoOm0TCgL</a>&mdash; James Chanos (@RealJimChanos) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealJimChanos/status/1968730015219982364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/09/47744499/michael-saylor-ignore-the-critics-and-the-whiners-bitcoin-is-digital-capital-fueling-a-rebuild-of-finance">Michael Saylor: Ignore &#8216;The Critics And The Whiners&#8217; — Bitcoin Is &#8216;Digital Capital&#8217; Fueling A Rebuild Of Finance</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MSTR&#8217;s Bitcoin Treasury</h2>



Strategy has built a massive corporate treasury of over 600,000 BTC, largely financed through debt and equity offerings.



As of Sept. 15, it has acquired an additional 525 bitcoins between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14, 2025. This latest purchase was made for approximately $60.2 million, at an average price of $114,562 per coin, inclusive of fees.



The acquisition, funded through the company&#8217;s At-The-Market (ATM) offerings, increased Strategy&#8217;s total bitcoin treasury to 638,985 BTC. The aggregate purchase price for its entire holdings now stands at $47.23 billion, reflecting an overall average purchase price of $73,913 per bitcoin.



According to Chanos, the idea of selling the core asset to pay yields on the very instruments used to buy it struck the veteran investor as fundamentally flawed.



While supporters applaud Saylor&#8217;s conviction and view the company as a proxy for Bitcoin investment, critics like Chanos raise concerns about the financial risks and sustainability of leveraging the company&#8217;s balance sheet so heavily on a single, volatile asset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Price Action</h2>



The stock rose 5.89% on Thursday and 0.51% in after-hours. It was up 16.37% year-to-date and 141.34% over the year.



Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings indicate that MSTR maintains a weaker price trend in the short and medium terms but a stronger trend in the long term. However, the stock&#8217;s value ranking is relatively poor. Additional performance details are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">available here.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-3/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="156" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19021733/MSTR-EDGE-SEPT-19-1024x156.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1078063" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19021733/MSTR-EDGE-SEPT-19-1024x156.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19021733/MSTR-EDGE-SEPT-19-300x46.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19021733/MSTR-EDGE-SEPT-19-768x117.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/19021733/MSTR-EDGE-SEPT-19.png 1048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose on Thursday. The SPY was up 0.47% at $662.26, while the QQQ advanced 0.90% to $595.32, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.



On Friday, the futures of the Dow Jones, S&amp;P 500, and Nasdaq 100 indices were higher.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/09/47735517/big-tech-stocks-mirror-dotcom-bubble-but-on-steroids-says-top-analyst-could-repercussions-be-more-pronounced-than-1999-crash">Big Tech Stocks Mirror Dotcom Bubble But On &#8216;Steroids,&#8217; Says Top Analyst: Could Repercussions Be More Pronounced Than 1999 Crash?</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Market Summary

MSTR

Michael Saylor Hints At Selling Bitcoin To Fund MSTR Dividends In 'Worst-Case Scenario,' Short-Seller Jim Chanos Calls It 'Financial Gibberish'

The Symbol RYM was not found. Here are some similar symbols and popular symbols to consider.

RYM Page Not Found - Benzinga

SYMBOL SIMILAR TO: RYM

TOP GAINING STOCKS

Noticias

SOCIO/CONTRIBUIDOR

BENZINGA GLOBAL