Trump’s announcement that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch could join a U.S.-led TikTok takeover has stirred significant controversy and debate.
Story Highlights
- Trump reveals potential Murdoch involvement in TikTok deal with China.
- Oracle confirmed to manage U.S. TikTok data and security.
- Congress mandates TikTok divestment to avoid a U.S. ban.
- Negotiations amid escalating U.S.-China tech tensions.
Trump’s TikTok Deal Strategy
In a recent Fox News interview, former President Donald Trump revealed that media moguls Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, along with Michael Dell, might play a role in a U.S.-led initiative to acquire TikTok from ByteDance, its Chinese owner. This disclosure adds a new dimension to the ongoing negotiations, with Oracle’s Larry Ellison already confirmed as a participant. Oracle is expected to oversee TikTok’s U.S. operations, ensuring data security, a critical concern in the discussions.
Congress has passed legislation that would implement a TikTok ban in January unless ByteDance divests its U.S. operations. The Trump administration has extended the deadline multiple times to secure an agreement, with the current deadline set for December 16. Trump recently engaged in a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the high-stakes nature of these negotiations.
Watch: Trump says Rupert, Lachlan Murdoch to likely be involved in U.S. TikTok deal
Geopolitical and Economic Stakes
The potential involvement of prominent American figures like the Murdochs and Dell highlights the intersection of media, technology, and geopolitics. Trump’s announcement underscores the political and economic stakes, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for U.S. policy regarding foreign-owned tech platforms. The negotiations come at a time of heightened U.S.-China tensions, primarily over technology and trade, with TikTok’s popularity in America adding to the complexity.
ByteDance has been under intense scrutiny due to national security concerns, particularly regarding data privacy and alleged Chinese government influence. Past attempts to force the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations in 2020 faced legal challenges and stalled due to lack of Chinese government approval. This ongoing situation reflects broader U.S. efforts to restrict Chinese technology companies’ influence within American borders.
🚨NOW: Trump announces Tik Tok USA will be owned by a list of Pro-Trump billionaires including the Murdochs: “A man named Lachlan is involved. Lachlan Murdoch…Rupert is probably gonna be in the group.”
So our data won’t go to China…just Trump cronies.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) September 21, 2025
Implications and Future Prospects
The implications of a successful TikTok deal are significant both in the short and long term. A successful agreement would keep TikTok operational in the U.S., while failure could lead to a ban, affecting millions of users. Long-term consequences include the potential shaping of U.S. policy on foreign tech ownership and influencing future U.S.-China relations in the technology sector.
The deal’s complexity is magnified by intertwined issues of technology, data security, and geopolitics. Experts caution that forced divestitures might provoke Chinese retaliation against U.S. firms in China, further complicating international business dynamics. The deal could accelerate the decoupling of U.S. and Chinese tech sectors, influencing global tech governance.
Sources:
ABC News: Trump reveals Murdochs and Dell could potentially take part in TikTok deal with China
