Trump Names Billionaires for Potential U.S. TikTok Deal

President Donald Trump has revealed that a group of prominent billionaires, including media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and tech entrepreneur Michael Dell, may play a crucial role in a potential deal for the U.S. to gain control of the popular social video platform TikTok. During an interview on Fox News, Trump mentioned the involvement of Murdoch, aged 94, and his son Lachlan Murdoch, as part of a team he believes will effectively oversee the platform’s operations.

“I think they’re going to be in the group. A couple of others. Really great people, very prominent people,” Trump stated. “And they’re also American patriots, you know, they love this country. I think they’re going to do a really good job.” His comments come as the U.S. government seeks a solution to keep TikTok operational in the country, amid ongoing concerns regarding its ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance.

In addition to the Murdochs and Dell, Trump identified Larry Ellison, founder and CEO of Oracle, as part of the negotiating group. Ellison’s involvement was previously confirmed, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Oracle would oversee TikTok’s data and security, while Americans would occupy six out of seven seats on its proposed board.

Negotiations with China and Legislative Pressure

The discussions regarding TikTok’s future have taken on an international dimension, as Trump engaged in a lengthy phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on December 15, 2023. U.S. and Chinese officials face a deadline of December 16, 2023, to finalize the details of the deal, following an extension granted by the Trump administration.

Concerns about TikTok’s algorithm, which shapes content visibility, have raised alarms among American officials. They warn that the platform’s management could be influenced by Chinese authorities, potentially leading to the manipulation of user content. In response, Congress has passed legislation aimed at banning TikTok, with enforcement set to begin in January. Despite this, Trump has issued orders allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. while negotiations for the sale of its American operations are underway.

Trump acknowledged a personal bias towards TikTok, crediting the platform for helping him connect with younger voters. He cited conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a significant influence in encouraging him to utilize the app.

Representatives for Ellison, Dell, and the Murdochs were unavailable for immediate comment regarding their potential roles in the TikTok deal. Notably, Trump filed a lawsuit against Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal in July 2023 after the publication reported on his connections to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

As the clock ticks down to the December deadline, the stakes surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. continue to rise, with significant implications for both American users and the broader tech landscape.