President Donald Trump has confirmed that prominent American business figures—including media moguls Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, technology leader Michael Dell, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison—may be part of a U.S. consortium preparing to take over TikTok’s American operations.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with Fox News, the network owned by the Murdoch family. He said he believed the Murdochs and Dell would join Ellison in forming a group that would oversee the platform in the United States. Trump described them as “American patriots” who “love this country” and said he was confident they would “do a really good job” if the deal moves forward.
What the Proposed Deal Involves
Board Control
According to the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the deal would set up a new board of directors to govern TikTok’s U.S. operations. Under this arrangement:
- Americans will hold six of the seven seats.
- ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, will control only one seat.
This structure is designed to ensure American majority oversight and decision-making power.
Data and Security Oversight
The plan also includes strict security measures:
- Oracle will handle TikTok’s U.S. data storage and oversee cybersecurity.
- Oracle will ensure that American servers and systems store sensitive user data, protecting it from outside influence.
- The platform’s algorithm, which drives the app’s content recommendations, will reportedly be retrained and managed in the U.S., preventing potential manipulation by Chinese authorities.
ByteDance’s Ownership
Under current negotiations, ByteDance would keep less than 20% of ownership in the U.S. entity that runs TikTok. This limited stake means the Chinese company would retain some influence but would no longer control governance, security, or the algorithm.
Why the Deal Is Necessary
National Security Concerns
U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials have repeatedly expressed concerns that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to access American user data or to subtly shape public opinion through algorithmic recommendations. Officials have warned that such influence is difficult to detect but poses serious risks to national security.
Congressional Pressure
In 2024, Congress passed legislation ordering TikTok’s shutdown in the U.S. unless ByteDance divested its American operations. The law set a deadline for January 2025, later extended several times by President Trump to give room for negotiations. Without a successful transfer of control, TikTok would face a ban for U.S. users.
Trump’s Shift on TikTok
Trump has had a complicated relationship with TikTok:
- In the past, he called the platform a danger to national security and threatened to ban it.
- More recently, he admitted he had become “a fan” of the app, claiming it helped him reach younger voters and contributed to his electoral success.
- He joked that he might be “a little prejudiced” toward TikTok because of how it helped him during his campaign.
U.S.-China Talks on the Deal
Trump revealed that he spoke directly with China’s President Xi Jinping in what he described as a “very productive call.” According to Trump:
- The two leaders discussed multiple issues, including trade, fentanyl trafficking, the Russia–Ukraine war, and the TikTok deal.
- Trump said Xi had approved the framework of the deal, but emphasized that it still requires final signatures before becoming official.
If approved, the agreement would resolve months of uncertainty and avoid a politically and economically costly ban.
Who Are the Key Figures Involved?
- Rupert Murdoch & Lachlan Murdoch: Heads of Fox Corporation, one of the largest media groups in the U.S. Their involvement would link TikTok’s governance with major American media influence.
- Michael Dell: Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, one of the world’s largest tech companies specializing in computers, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Larry Ellison: Co-founder and CEO of Oracle, which has already been confirmed as the company responsible for TikTok’s U.S. data storage and cybersecurity oversight.
Trump has hinted that “a couple of others” may also join the group, though their names have not yet been disclosed.
Current Status and Remaining Questions
The deal is not yet finalized. Key details still need clarification, including:
- The financial structure—how much the U.S. group will pay for control, and how ByteDance will be compensated.
- The role of the algorithm—who exactly will retrain it, and how transparency will be ensured.
- The legal approval process—how U.S. courts and regulators will confirm that the arrangement satisfies national security requirements.
What This Means Going Forward
If the agreement is finalized:
- TikTok will avoid a nationwide ban in the U.S., keeping access for its 170 million American users.
- The deal would create a model where foreign tech platforms can continue operating in the U.S. but under American governance.
- For Trump, the announcement strengthens his position as a negotiator with both global business leaders and China’s leadership.
- For TikTok’s users and creators, the move provides certainty after months of fear that the app would suddenly disappear.
The Information is Collected from ABC News and Sky News.
