In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump revealed that Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch are likely to be part of an investment group poised to acquire TikTok in the United States. During his discussion with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy on “The Sunday Briefing,” Trump provided insights into the ongoing status of the controversial sale of the Chinese-owned social media platform.
Although there has been some uncertainty surrounding the agreement, Trump suggested that a deal was imminent. He mentioned notable moguls like Larry Ellison and Michael Dell being involved in the acquisition process. In a surprising twist, Trump highlighted Lachlan Murdoch’s involvement, remarking on the uniqueness of his name, and indicated that Rupert Murdoch would also likely be part of this investor group, which he labeled as “really great people” and “American patriots.”
The potential transaction comes in the context of national security concerns regarding TikTok, which is owned by the China-based company ByteDance. Congress passed a law in 2024 prohibiting TikTok’s operation in the U.S. unless it was sold to an American company, aiming to mitigate fears over data privacy and security. However, the Trump administration has previously extended deadlines for compliance with this law.
In a related development, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized on Saturday that the majority of TikTok’s board would comprise American nationals, with six out of seven board members being U.S. citizens. Leavitt confirmed that Oracle Corporation, chaired by Ellison, would oversee data and privacy controls, affirming that the U.S. would manage the app’s data and algorithm domestically.
Leavitt expressed confidence in the prospective deal, framing it as a move that prioritizes American interests and adheres to the enduring political slogan of “America First.” Trump, for his part, credited TikTok as a significant factor in his success in the 2024 presidential race, highlighting its wide reach among a user base of approximately 170 million Americans.
Despite the swirling controversies surrounding both Trump and the Murdochs, including a recent lawsuit involving accusations related to Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal, their involvement in this high-stakes acquisition could redefine the future of one of the most popular social media platforms in the country.
