Former President Donald Trump has indicated that media moguls Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch will likely be part of the effort to bring TikTok under American ownership. Speaking in a Sunday interview with Peter Doocy on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, Trump discussed the potential deal and highlighted the involvement of prominent business figures.
The US government has been pushing for the sale of TikTok, which is currently owned by China-based company ByteDance, citing national security and privacy concerns. Congress passed legislation in 2024 requiring the sale of the platform to a US company, though the transfer deadline has been extended multiple times under the Trump administration. TikTok currently has about 170 million users in the United States, making it a highly influential social media platform.
Trump Mentions Key Figures in the Deal
During the interview, Trump noted that billionaire business leaders such as Larry Ellison of Oracle and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies were involved. He then added, almost humorously, that a man named Lachlan was involved, referencing Lachlan Murdoch. Trump emphasized that Rupert Murdoch would probably also be part of the investor group.
“Rupert is probably gonna be in the group, I think they’re gonna be in the group, a couple of others. Really great people. Very prominent people. And they’re also American patriots, they love this country, so I think they’re gonna do a really good job,” Trump said.
It is important to note that according to reports, Fox Corporation, the media company owned by Rupert Murdoch and led by Lachlan Murdoch as CEO, would be part of the investment group, rather than the Murdochs as individual investors.
TikTok Ownership and US Control
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the proposed deal would place six Americans on the seven-seat board of the company. Additionally, Oracle, Ellison’s company, would oversee the app’s data and privacy, ensuring that US authorities control TikTok’s data and algorithm domestically.
“This deal does put America first,” Leavitt said, invoking one of Trump’s familiar slogans. “And let me just be very clear. This deal means that TikTok will be majority-owned by Americans in the United States.”
Trump has credited TikTok with helping him secure a second term in the 2024 election, underscoring the platform’s influence in American politics and social media discourse. The deal aims to ensure that TikTok operations in the United States are fully compliant with national security requirements while remaining accessible to its vast user base.
China’s Role and Congressional Oversight
The sale of TikTok to American investors has been closely watched due to tensions between the US and China over technology and data security. ByteDance, the parent company, has faced repeated pressure to divest its US operations. Trump mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed to approve the deal, though details about the approval process remain unclear.
Congressional legislation passed in 2024 banned TikTok unless it was sold to a US company, reflecting longstanding concerns that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. The proposed deal involving Murdoch-linked Fox Corporation, Ellison, Dell, and other American investors is intended to address these concerns by placing data governance and control firmly in US hands.
Media and Public Reaction
Trump’s statements drew attention partly because of his ongoing disputes with the Murdochs, including a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal over past reporting. Despite previous conflicts, Trump’s comments suggest that he sees the Murdochs as key allies in facilitating a major corporate and political transaction.
Industry analysts note that the inclusion of Fox Corporation and other high-profile investors adds credibility to the deal, while also signaling a close connection between media, politics, and technology in shaping US digital platforms.
Implications for TikTok and American Users
If the deal proceeds, TikTok would be majority-owned by Americans, with a board and operational controls based in the United States. This could have far-reaching implications for content moderation, user privacy, and data security, potentially altering how the platform functions domestically while maintaining its global appeal.
The TikTok transaction highlights broader issues about foreign ownership of tech companies, national security, and the role of social media in politics. It also reflects the Trump administration’s focus on asserting American control over key technology platforms.
Next Steps
While Trump expressed confidence in the Murdochs’ involvement, representatives for Fox Corporation have not immediately commented. The deal is still in negotiation, and officials are working to finalize investment structures, board appointments, and compliance measures to ensure that the platform meets US regulatory and security standards.
Observers will be closely watching how the deal progresses, particularly given the involvement of major American business figures and the political significance of TikTok. The outcome could set a precedent for future foreign-owned social media companies operating in the United States.
