Trump Orders Creation of Sovereign Wealth Fund, Says it Could Buy TikTok

Trump Orders Creation of Sovereign Wealth Fund, Says it Could Buy TikTok
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump signs an executive order to create a US sovereign wealth fund, in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Image copyright: Jim Watson/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images

The Spin


Narrative A

The US would significantly benefit from its own sovereign wealth fund, as the country already has the world's largest finance sector and the brightest financial minds to manage it. This would allow for strategic investments of surplus revenues into a diversified portfolio, ensuring long-term economic stability funding national projects, and enhancing global influence. It would also counter foreign adversaries by bolstering US companies while promoting American values.


Narrative B

This idea is severely misguided, especially as it pertains to using such a fund to purchase TikTok. The US, with a $35T debt and no budget surplus, isn't suited for a sovereign wealth fund, which typically relies on what the US lacks — resource revenue. Funding it through vague means like tariffs is also impractical. Besides the impracticality of Trump's fundraising claims, his mention of using it to purchase TikTok proves this to be a stunt to distract from America's real financial issues.


Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures

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