Trump on TikTok Deal
Washington
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that billionaire Rupert Murdoch, his son Lachlan Murdoch, and tech entrepreneur Michael Dell could join a high-profile group seeking to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. In a Fox News interview aired Sunday, Trump described the potential participants as “very prominent people” and “American patriots,” saying he believed they would “do a really good job.”
Trump also confirmed Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s involvement already acknowledged by the White House with Oracle reportedly set to manage TikTok’s data and security. Under the plan, Americans would hold six of seven seats on a proposed board overseeing the platform.
The disclosure marks the latest twist in negotiations over TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance. U.S. officials have long warned that the app’s algorithm and data could be vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities. Congress has passed legislation calling for a ban to take effect in January unless TikTok’s U.S. operations are sold to an American-controlled entity.
Trump said he discussed the TikTok deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a lengthy phone call on Friday. The two sides have until December 16 to finalize an agreement, following a new deadline extension by the Trump administration.
Despite security concerns, Trump acknowledged he was “a little prejudiced” in favor of TikTok, crediting the platform with helping him reach younger voters. Representatives for Murdoch, Dell, and Ellison did not immediately comment on their potential participation in the deal.
