Potential TikTok deal may involve Murdochs and Dell, Trump says

President Donald Trump recently shared that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and tech entrepreneur Michael Dell may have a role in the potential acquisition of TikTok by U.S. entities, marking a new development in the ongoing efforts to keep the popular social video platform operational in the United States.

During an interview broadcast on Fox News, Trump mentioned the possible participation of 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch, who heads Fox News and News Corp, among a group of individuals who could be involved in the deal. Trump expressed confidence in their abilities, referring to them as “great people” and “American patriots” who have a genuine love for the country.

The disclosure of the Murdochs and Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, as potential participants adds a new layer to the complex negotiations surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. Additionally, Trump noted that Oracle founder and Chairman Larry Ellison is also part of the group involved in the discussions. It was previously revealed that Oracle would take responsibility for the app’s data and security, with Americans holding a majority of the seats on a proposed board.

Despite these developments, many details of the potential deal remain unclear. Trump discussed the TikTok situation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a recent phone call, and there is a deadline of December 16 for Chinese and U.S. officials to finalize the agreement following an extension by the Trump administration.

The urgency to address TikTok’s ownership stems from concerns raised by American officials about the potential for Chinese authorities to manipulate the app’s algorithm, influencing the content users see in ways that may not be readily apparent. Legislation passed by Congress called for a ban on TikTok beginning in January, prompting Trump to issue a series of executive orders allowing the app to continue operating in the U.S. while negotiations for a sale of its American operations proceed.

Trump’s personal connection to TikTok was also highlighted during the interview, with the president crediting the app for helping him engage with young voters. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk reportedly encouraged Trump to use TikTok as a means of reaching a broader audience.

As discussions continue and the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, representatives for Ellison, Dell, and the Murdochs have not yet provided comments on their potential involvement. Notably, Trump previously filed a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over an article detailing his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender.

The evolving situation surrounding TikTok underscores the intricate web of business, technology, and politics at play in the digital age, where influential figures from various sectors navigate complex negotiations to determine the future of a popular social media platform. The coming weeks will likely shed more light on the possible outcomes of these discussions and the implications for TikTok’s operations in the U.S.