President Donald Trump said on Sunday that several prominent billionaires, including media mogul Rupert Murdoch and tech founder Michael Dell, could be involved in a potential deal that would place TikTok’s U.S. operations under American control.
In an interview recorded Friday and aired on Fox News, Trump named Rupert Murdoch, 94, and his son Lachlan Murdoch, head of Fox News and News Corp, as likely participants. “I think they’re going to be in the group. A couple of others. Really great people, very prominent people,” Trump said. “And they’re also American patriots, you know, they love this country. I think they’re going to do a really good job.”
Trump also confirmed that Oracle founder and CEO Larry Ellison is part of the group, something previously disclosed. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday that Oracle would oversee TikTok’s U.S. data and security, with Americans controlling six of the seven seats on a new governing board.
The president’s remarks mark the latest development in fast-moving negotiations to keep TikTok running in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns. Trump said he discussed the deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a lengthy phone call on Friday. Officials from both countries have until December 16 to finalize terms, following a recent deadline extension by the Trump administration.
Trump, Xi to hold call on TikTok deal and US-China ties
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has become one of the world’s most popular apps. U.S. officials warn that its algorithm could be exploited by Beijing to influence content in ways that are hard to detect. While Congress has already passed legislation mandating a TikTok ban starting in January, Trump has repeatedly signed orders allowing the app to operate as negotiations continue over a potential sale of its American operations.
Trump acknowledged he has a personal bias in favor of TikTok, crediting it with helping him reach younger voters. He said late conservative activist Charlie Kirk encouraged him to embrace the platform.
Representatives for Ellison, Dell, and the Murdochs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Notably, Trump filed a lawsuit in July against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal after it published a story about his connections to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Source: Agency