Trump Reveals Potential Murdoch Involvement in High-Stakes TikTok Deal

Former President Donald Trump has announced that media moguls Rupert Murdoch and his son, Lachlan, may join a consortium to operate TikTok in the United States. The revelation was made during an interview on Fox News. This development follows a White House statement confirming Oracle’s role in managing the app’s US data security.

The potential involvement of the Murdochs signals the high-profile nature of the ongoing TikTok US deal negotiations. According to CNBC, Trump described the potential partners as “American patriots” who would do a good job.

Oracle and Dell May Join Prominent Consortium

Trump specifically named Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch as likely participants. He also indicated that Larry Ellison of Oracle and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies could be involved. The former president referred to the group as consisting of “very prominent people.”

He expressed strong confidence in their capabilities. Trump emphasized their patriotism as a key reason for his support. This aligns with his administration’s focus on US control of the popular app.

US Control and Chinese Regulations Shape Deal Terms

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined the deal’s America-first structure. She stated, according to The New York Times, that six of seven board members controlling TikTok would be American. She confirmed that the app’s algorithm would be “controlled by America.”

Meanwhile, China issued its own requirements for the deal. A statement reported by CNBC said any company involved must comply with Chinese laws. The statement also called for a fair environment for Chinese businesses in the US. President Trump recently extended TikTok’s operational deadline to mid-December.

The evolving TikTok US deal represents a critical intersection of technology, national security, and global business interests, with its final structure poised to set a significant precedent.

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Who are the key figures Trump mentioned for the TikTok deal?

Donald Trump named Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, Larry Ellison of Oracle, and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies. He suggested they would form a consortium of “very prominent people” to manage TikTok’s US operations.

What is Oracle’s role in the proposed TikTok deal?

According to the White House, Oracle would be responsible for handling TikTok’s data and privacy concerns for its American users. This is a central part of the agreement to address national security issues.

How does China view the potential TikTok deal?

China has stated that any companies involved must comply with Chinese laws and regulations. Officials also expressed a hope for a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies in the US.

What is the current status of TikTok’s operations in the US?

President Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok’s US operations until December 16. This provides more time for the deal involving Oracle and other potential partners to be finalized.

Why does the US government want control over TikTok?

The primary concern is data security and privacy for American citizens. The deal structure ensuring a US-controlled board and algorithm is designed to mitigate potential risks of foreign data access.

Trusted Sources

CNBC, The New York Times, Fox News.