Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are reportedly in talks to join a group of investors aiming to acquire TikTok’s American operations, as indicated by remarks from President Donald Trump in a recent Fox News interview. During the broadcast, Trump stated that the Murdochs, along with Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and Dell founder Michael Dell, would likely play significant roles in this deal. He characterized them as “American patriots” and expressed confidence in their ability to handle the acquisition effectively.
This potential deal comes as part of a legislative requirement stemming from a law passed by Congress in April 2024, aimed at addressing security concerns surrounding TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, which is based in China. Fears have been raised over the possibility that the Chinese government could access the personal data of TikTok’s 170 million American users. While the law mandates that ByteDance divest its US operations to American investors or face a ban, enforcement of the legislation is currently paused pending negotiations.
In the interview, Trump identified several key players involved in the acquisition talks, emphasizing their prominence and financial capabilities. He noted that both Ellison and Michael Dell would contribute significant resources to the effort, adding, “A man named Lachlan is involved,” referring to Lachlan Murdoch’s recent ascension to leadership within the family’s media empire, which includes Fox Corp and News Corp. His father, Rupert Murdoch, at 94 years old, continues to hold the title of chairman emeritus of News Corp.
Following Trump’s comments, reports surfaced suggesting the Murdochs would not invest as individuals but rather through Fox Corp, leveraging their extensive media holdings, which include influential outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Fox News. This involvement places the Murdochs and Ellisons in a position of considerable influence regarding one of America’s most-used social media platforms.
Amid ongoing discussions, the White House has begun to signal that a resolution may be imminent. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that a formal agreement could be finalized within days. She outlined that Oracle would lead data privacy efforts for TikTok in the US, ensuring that key operational elements, including algorithm management, would be handled domestically.
As these talks progress, the potential for the Murdochs and the Ellisons to significantly shape the future of TikTok raises eyebrows, especially given the platform’s immense popularity. Meanwhile, responses from China regarding the deal remain guarded, with state media affirming the country’s openness to commercial negotiations while reiterating the need for compliance with Chinese laws. ByteDance, for its part, has yet to provide commentary on the latest developments following Trump’s interview.
