US President Donald Trump has suggested that Lachlan Murdoch and his father Rupert Murdoch may play significant roles in a potential deal to transfer ownership of the video app TikTok from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to American investors. During an interview broadcast on Fox News, Trump identified the Murdochs as part of a group of prominent individuals who could invest in the deal.
“I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved. Lachlan is, that’s a very unusual name,” Trump remarked, further asserting that Rupert would “probably” be part of the investment group. He also referenced other unnamed “great people” who are “American patriots,” expressing confidence in their ability to handle the situation effectively.
The inclusion of the Murdochs alongside tech executive Michael Dell signals a significant shift in the ongoing negotiations concerning TikTok’s future in the United States. The platform has faced scrutiny from US officials who have raised concerns about its data security and the potential for manipulation by Chinese authorities.
According to Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, Oracle would oversee the app’s data management and safety protocols in collaboration with the US government. Furthermore, under the proposed arrangement, Americans are expected to hold six of the seven board seats for TikTok, with control over its algorithm remaining in the US.
The timeline for finalizing the deal is pressing, as US and Chinese officials must reach an agreement by December 16, 2023, following a recent extension granted by the Trump administration. Trump discussed the potential transaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a lengthy phone call on Friday.
Despite the popularity of TikTok, American lawmakers have passed legislation mandating a ban on the app effective January if security concerns are not addressed. Nevertheless, Trump has repeatedly signed orders allowing TikTok to continue operating while negotiations are underway. He noted that his use of TikTok has helped him connect with younger voters, crediting conservative activist Charlie Kirk for encouraging him to adopt the platform.
As these discussions unfold, representatives for the Murdochs, Dell, and Oracle could not be reached for immediate comment. Additionally, Trump is currently involved in legal proceedings against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over a report linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The newspaper has defended its reporting and plans to contest the lawsuit.
This potential intervention by the Trump administration marks a notable departure from traditional US business practices, with critics arguing that such moves could undermine the competitive landscape. The administration has previously engaged in controversial actions, such as acquiring a 10 percent stake in Intel and allowing Nvidia to sell AI chips to China in return for a portion of sales, which Trump defends as beneficial to US interests.
As the situation develops, the impact of these negotiations on TikTok’s operations and broader implications for US-China relations remain to be seen.
