Trump Names Murdochs as Potential Investors in TikTok Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that media magnate Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch may be part of a consortium looking to invest in TikTok’s U.S. operations. This move comes as the U.S. government seeks to transfer control of the app from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns.

Since resuming the presidency in January, Trump has postponed enforcing a ban on TikTok while negotiations for its sale continue. He has been in discussions with various parties, including tech giant Oracle’s CEO Larry Ellison and entrepreneur Michael Dell, whom he refers to as “patriots.” The President’s comments during an interview on Fox News added further intrigue to the situation: “I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved… Lachlan Murdoch, I believe,” Trump stated, emphasizing the potential involvement of his father, Rupert.

The Murdoch family’s media influence is significant. Earlier this month, Rupert Murdoch’s children reached a settlement in a protracted legal dispute over the control of their father’s media empire, which solidified Lachlan’s leadership role at News Corp and Fox News. As the eldest son, Lachlan has taken the reins of a conservative media powerhouse that spans the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

White House Update on TikTok Negotiations

In a statement released on Saturday, the White House confirmed that the board of the prospective company managing TikTok’s U.S. operations would comprise predominantly American citizens. Officials suggested that a deal could be finalized “in the coming days.” This declaration underscores the urgency surrounding the negotiations, which have attracted significant attention due to the app’s vast user base in the U.S., estimated at over 100 million.

The TikTok saga has unfolded against a backdrop of rising tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the tech sector. The Biden administration has continued to scrutinize foreign investments in key industries, aiming to safeguard national interests.

As the situation develops, the involvement of prominent figures like the Murdochs could shape the future of TikTok in the U.S. market. The potential partnership reflects a broader trend of established media entities seeking to navigate the complexities of digital platforms while addressing concerns over data privacy and security.

With ongoing discussions and negotiations, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for both TikTok and the broader landscape of international investment in technology.