Trump Coin has surged over 1000%, swiftly becoming the 14th largest cryptocurrency by market value, with investors eager to learn how to buy this rapidly rising asset. Additionally, in today’s Money Making Moves, discover the aftermath of TikTok’s brief shutdown and its return over the weekend:

> The $TRUMP meme coin launched by Donald Trump on the Solana Blockchain during a "Crypto Ball" has skyrocketed over 1000%, trading above £59.95 ($73) per token, with a market capitalization of £59.95 billion ($73 billion). The coin, promoted on platforms like Truth Social and X, is described as "the only official Trump meme" and aims to build a community aligned with Trump’s ideals of optimism and success. Its supply, capped at 1 billion tokens over three years, includes 80% held by Trump Organisation affiliates, with a staggered unlocking plan to reduce volatility. Investors can buy the token through platforms like Moonshot, major crypto exchanges, or via its Solana contract address, with detailed steps outlined for each option.

> TikTok restored services in the US on Sunday after a 12-hour outage, following a Truth Social post by President-elect Donald Trump announcing plans to delay the app's ban. The platform’s uncertain future, due to ByteDance’s refusal to divest from TikTok as required by law, has left creators and entrepreneurs like luxury consignment seller Kimberly Balance scrambling to adapt. TikTok has become a significant revenue driver for small businesses, creators, and its online marketplace, generating billions for the US economy, but the recent outage highlighted the platform’s fragility. Many creators, including Nadya Okamoto of August, are diversifying their presence on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube to safeguard against potential disruptions.

> The FTC is suing PepsiCo for alleged illegal price discrimination, accusing the company of giving Walmart more favorable prices, promotional payments, and advertising tools than its competitors, violating the Robinson-Patman Act. Pepsi denied the claims, stating its practices align with industry norms and accusing the FTC of filing the lawsuit in a partisan manner. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, is sealed, with key details redacted, though the FTC seeks to lift those redactions to demonstrate how Pepsi's actions allegedly harmed competing retailers. This lawsuit is part of a series of legal actions by the Biden administration before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, marking the end of Lina Khan’s tenure as FTC chair.

Logan Paul pitched Prime Hydration to Mark Cuban, seeking an endorsement or investment, but Cuban offered a groundbreaking idea instead: fortify Prime with iron to target vegetarians and plant-based consumers. This unique concept would address a common nutritional gap for vegetarians, creating a functional beverage tailored to a growing market segment. Cuban praised Prime’s taste and rapid global success, comparing it favorably to other sports drinks, while Paul expressed enthusiasm for exploring the idea. Although no official partnership with the Dallas Mavericks was secured, Cuban’s innovative suggestion hints at a potential new direction for Prime's product line.

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> Amid TikTok’s legal uncertainty and temporary shutdown in the U.S., some users and creators have begun exploring alternatives like YouTube for their content. The Supreme Court upheld a law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban due to national security concerns, sparking a weekend of rapid developments. TikTok briefly went offline but was restored following an assurance of no penalties for service providers and a proposed joint venture with U.S. ownership. While TikTok’s return offers temporary relief, discussions about a long-term solution, potential investors, and the platform’s algorithm remain unresolved, leaving creators to consider backup strategies. For more tips on running a YouTube channel, check here. 

> Ripple’s XRP cryptocurrency surged nearly 30% over five days, hitting a record £2.76 ($3.36), fueled by optimism around its potential inclusion in the Trump administration's proposed “America-first strategic reserve.” Reports of a favorable regulatory environment, including pro-crypto appointments and the possible dismissal of Ripple's SEC lawsuit, have strengthened market confidence. Additional boosts include approval of Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin, optimism about a future XRP ETF, and easing inflation, which triggered a broader crypto market rally. Experts predict XRP could surpass £8.2 ($10) by 2025, driven by strategic initiatives and growing institutional support.

> As TikTok faced a potential ban, many users flocked to alternative platforms like RedNote and Lemon8, propelling them to the top of app store charts. Some users, however, considered abandoning social media altogether, choosing to focus on personal growth and healthier habits instead of transitioning to new apps. Content creators expressed skepticism about shifting to less-established platforms, debating whether to invest in alternatives or redirect their time toward other ventures. Experts predict most users will eventually migrate to other apps, but replicating TikTok’s unique algorithm and community-driven experience remains a significant challenge for its competitors.