In a recent interview broadcast on Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the potential involvement of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son, Lachlan Murdoch, in negotiations to secure TikTok’s future in the United States. Trump revealed that Lachlan Murdoch would likely play a role in the deal, alongside notable figures including Larry Ellison, the executive chairman of Oracle, and Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies. Trump described these individuals as “really great people, very prominent people,” emphasizing their patriotism and commitment to the nation.
Despite Trump’s assertions, sources familiar with the situation have suggested that Lachlan Murdoch may not participate in the TikTok deal directly, but Fox Corporation—under his leadership—could potentially have a stake in the negotiations. As discussions unfold, Trump is engaging both U.S. stakeholders and Chinese officials, notably President Xi Jinping, to finalize the terms.
The backdrop to these discussions includes a legislative move last year that mandated the divestiture of TikTok from its Chinese ownership, citing national security concerns over data privacy and algorithm control. In response, the White House has outlined a plan where a majority of six out of seven board members overseeing TikTok would be American, along with a commitment to place control of the app’s algorithm in U.S. hands.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed these points, detailing that Oracle would lead the data and privacy initiatives for TikTok in the U.S. As negotiations progress, Trump highlighted positive strides following a recent call with Xi, stating, “the deal is well on its way,” while expressing optimism regarding the readiness of investors. However, the Chinese government has stressed that negotiations remain ongoing and that it expects the U.S. to provide a favorable business environment for Chinese companies.
Chinese state-controlled media conveyed the country’s expectation for a resolution based on market principles and compliance with Chinese laws, indicating a need for an equitable negotiation process. As both sides strive to reach a compromise, the stakes remain high for the future operations of TikTok in the U.S. and for the broader relationship between the two nations. CNBC has reached out to both the White House and TikTok for further comments on the ongoing negotiations.
