US President Donald Trump has indicated that media executive Lachlan Murdoch and prominent business leaders Larry Ellison and Michael Dell may participate as American investors in a potential deal to secure TikTok’s operations in the United States. This announcement aligns with ongoing negotiations between the US and China regarding the transfer of TikTok’s US assets from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. TikTok, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the United States, plays a significant role in influencing public discussion on various political and cultural issues.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump described the prospective investors as “prominent people” and “American patriots,” expressing confidence in their ability to effectively manage the platform. He noted that TikTok has contributed to strengthening his appeal among younger voters ahead of the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Negotiations Progress Amid Political Climate
The proposed deal remains somewhat ambiguous as the political landscape evolves. Trump revealed that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had engaged in their first conversation in months, which he characterized as a positive step toward easing tensions. Trump’s administration has previously refrained from enforcing a law that would require TikTok’s divestiture, citing concerns over the potential access of US user data by the Chinese government.
Lachlan Murdoch, who serves as CEO of Fox Corporation, has recently solidified his family’s long-standing media influence, which includes major outlets like Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Following a protracted legal dispute with his siblings, he has gained greater control over the family business. Trump also mentioned that the family patriarch, Rupert Murdoch, aged 94, might play a role in the negotiations concerning TikTok.
Sources familiar with the matter have informed Reuters that any investment from the Murdoch family would be funneled through Fox Corporation, rather than as individual stakeholders. Additionally, News Corp, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, is not expected to be involved in the investment.
Ellison and Data Security Responsibilities
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and a significant donor to the Republican Party, has been linked to the TikTok negotiations for some time. On Sunday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Oracle would manage TikTok’s data and security, with American citizens slated to control six of the seven proposed board seats for the platform.
As negotiations advance, the outcome of the TikTok deal remains uncertain. The ongoing discussions are part of broader economic dialogues between the United States and China, and they highlight the complexities involved in balancing national security concerns with international business interests.
The steps taken in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining TikTok’s future in the American market. The platform’s ability to navigate these political challenges while maintaining its user base will likely impact its role in shaping social media landscapes and public discourse in the years ahead.
