Murdochs Named as Potential TikTok Deal Partners
In a recent Fox News interview, President Donald Trump indicated that media moguls Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch are poised to play a role in the proposed U.S. deal to retain TikTok’s operations domestically. “A man named Lachlan is involved,” Trump said on “The Sunday Briefing,” adding, “Lachlan Murdoch … Rupert [Murdoch] is probably gonna be in the group, I think they’re going to be in the group.”
Other Key Players in the Consortium
Trump also named Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell as likely participants in the consortium aiming to secure TikTok’s U.S. future.
“Couple of others, really great people, very prominent people,” Trump said. “And they’re also American patriots, you know, they love this country. So I think they’re going to do a really good job.”
A source familiar with the negotiations told CNBC that while Lachlan Murdoch is unlikely to engage individually, Fox Corporation could have a role in the transaction.
Progress and Challenges in U.S.-China TikTok Negotiations
The Trump administration and Chinese leadership, represented by President Xi Jinping, continue to negotiate over the details of the TikTok deal, which aims to address U.S. national security concerns while preserving the app’s presence in the American market. On Saturday, the White House revealed that six out of the seven members of TikTok’s controlling board will be American citizens, ensuring majority U.S. oversight. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further clarified that the U.S. will control TikTok’s algorithm, a pivotal point in the negotiations, and that Oracle will lead data and privacy management for the app within the United States. Following a call between Trump and Xi on Friday, Trump expressed optimism, stating, “the deal is well on its way, as you know, and the investors are getting ready.” However, Chinese state media conveyed a more cautious stance, emphasizing compliance with Chinese laws and regulations and calling for a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating in the U.S.
“China’s position on the TikTok issue is clear: the Chinese government respects the will of companies and is pleased to see companies conduct business negotiations on the basis of market rules and reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and balance interests,” read a statement from Xinhua.
“We hope the U.S. side will provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing in the United States,” the statement added.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The evolving TikTok deal illustrates the complex intersection of geopolitics, national security concerns, and global technology investments. The involvement of prominent American business figures and media entities signals a strategic effort to anchor the app firmly within U.S. regulatory oversight.
- Opportunities: Strengthened U.S. control over TikTok’s data and algorithms could set precedent for future tech negotiations with China.
- Risks: Prolonged negotiations and differing U.S.-China priorities may delay deal closure or lead to stalemates.
- Market Impact: Involvement of high-profile investors may boost investor confidence but also raise scrutiny over media influence in tech assets.
- Regulatory Oversight: The consortium’s composition will be critical to ensuring compliance with U.S. security standards and maintaining TikTok’s market position.
Impact: This development is cautiously positive for U.S. technology markets, reflecting a potential resolution to TikTok’s uncertain status while highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
