In a recent interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump hinted at the involvement of notable billionaires, including media figure Rupert Murdoch and tech entrepreneur Michael Dell, in a potential deal that could see the U.S. take control of the popular social media platform TikTok. The discussion marks a significant step in ongoing negotiations regarding the app, which has been under scrutiny due to its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.
During the interview, recorded on Friday and aired on Sunday, Trump identified the 94-year-old Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch, who heads Fox News and News Corp, as prospective key players in the deal. Trump expressed confidence in their commitment to the country, stating, “They’re also American patriots, you know, they love this country. I think they’re going to do a really good job.”
Trump also mentioned Larry Ellison, founder and CEO of Oracle, who had been previously disclosed as a part of this group. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Oracle would oversee the app’s data and security, asserting that American representatives would control six of the seven seats on a planned board.
The specifics surrounding this deal remain unclear. Trump revealed that he had discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the TikTok situation during a lengthy phone call, emphasizing the urgency as the U.S. and Chinese authorities aim to finalize terms by December 16, a deadline extension granted by the Trump administration.
The app’s popularity among younger demographics has been a focal point for Trump, who acknowledged a particular affinity for TikTok in connecting with this voter base. He credited the platform for its role in reaching younger audiences, mentioning guidance from conservative activist Charlie Kirk to utilize the app.
Despite congressional legislation mandating a TikTok ban set to take effect in January, Trump has consistently opted to sign orders allowing the app to continue operations in the United States while striving to negotiate a sale of its U.S. operations.
Representatives for Ellison, Dell, and the Murdochs were not immediately available for comment on the matter. Notably, Trump has also had a contentious history with Murdoch, including a lawsuit filed against Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal following a report regarding Trump’s associations with financier Jeffrey Epstein.
As negotiations advance, the potential engagement of such high-profile figures raises questions about the future of TikTok in the U.S. and the implications for its users and stakeholders.
