In a stunning development that could reshape social media ownership, former President Donald Trump has revealed that media moguls Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch are likely joining the high-stakes TikTok acquisition. This monumental deal represents one of the most significant technology transfers in recent history, potentially securing American control over the popular video-sharing platform.
TikTok Acquisition Gains Powerful Media Allies
President Trump confirmed the Murdochs’ potential involvement during his Fox News appearance on Sunday. He specifically mentioned both Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch as probable participants in the investor group. Consequently, this development adds substantial media industry weight to the ongoing TikTok acquisition negotiations. Furthermore, Fox Corporation has reportedly entered talks to join the investment consortium backing TikTok’s U.S. spinoff from Chinese owner ByteDance.
Major Tech Titans Join TikTok Investment Group
The proposed TikTok acquisition has attracted several technology industry heavyweights. Trump additionally identified Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell as likely participants. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that other confirmed investors include:
- Oracle – Responsible for security and safety oversight
- Andreessen Horowitz – Prominent venture capital firm
- Silver Lake Management – Established private equity company
Agreement Structure and American Control
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously outlined the agreement’s framework on Saturday. Americans will hold six of seven board seats in the restructured TikTok entity. Importantly, the platform’s algorithm will remain under U.S. control, addressing national security concerns. ByteDance would reportedly own less than 20% of the spun-off company, ensuring majority American ownership.
Political and Diplomatic Dimensions
The TikTok acquisition has significant geopolitical implications. Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved the deal, indicating high-level diplomatic coordination. TikTok itself issued a statement thanking both Xi and Trump for preserving the platform’s availability to American users. This development follows a federal bill that initially sought to ban TikTok in January, before Trump extended divestment deadlines.
Industry Impact and Future Implications
This massive TikTok acquisition could establish new precedents for foreign-owned technology platforms operating in the United States. The involvement of major media and technology figures suggests confidence in TikTok’s business model and growth potential. Moreover, the resolution could influence how other international tech companies structure their U.S. operations to address regulatory concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who exactly is involved in the TikTok acquisition?
The investor group potentially includes Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Dell’s Michael Dell, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake Management.
What percentage will ByteDance retain in the new entity?
ByteDance would own less than 20% of the spun-off TikTok U.S. company, with American investors controlling the majority stake.
How will TikTok’s algorithm be protected?
Oracle will oversee security and safety operations, while the algorithm itself will remain under U.S. control with American majority ownership.
What was the original deadline for TikTok’s divestment?
A federal bill passed last year set a January ban deadline, but President Trump repeatedly extended this before reaching the current agreement.
How will this affect current TikTok users?
The transition should be seamless for users, with the platform maintaining operations while transferring to American ownership and control.
What role did diplomacy play in this agreement?
President Trump indicated that Chinese President Xi Jinping approved the deal, suggesting high-level diplomatic coordination between both nations.
