TikTok's US fate: Murdochs, Larry Eliison, Michael Dell linked to proposed buyout

The future of TikTok in the United States is hanging in the balance as discussions heat up regarding control of the platform's American operations. President Donald Trump has pointed to several prominent business leaders, including Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison, as potential players in a consortium looking to acquire TikTok’s US division from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. In a recent interview on Fox News, Trump referred to these potential investors as "well-known individuals," emphasizing that their involvement could help ensure TikTok remains operational in the U.S. while providing necessary oversight. Reports indicate that the Murdoch family might engage through Fox Corporation rather than as private investors, which could enhance the media group's digital strategy amid a slowdown in traditional television growth. Oracle, co-founded by Ellison, is set to play a pivotal role in this new arrangement. Having managed TikTok’s U.S. data since 2020, Oracle is expected to oversee the platform's algorithm and privacy policies moving forward. The White House has mentioned that six of the seven board members of the proposed new American entity would be U.S. citizens, a measure aimed at alleviating national security concerns. Lawmakers have voiced worries that ByteDance's ownership of TikTok poses significant risks, as the Chinese government could potentially demand access to American user data or influence the app's powerful algorithm. To mitigate these concerns, Congress enacted legislation in 2024 that mandates TikTok sell approximately 80% of its U.S. business to American investors or face a nationwide ban. Although enforcement has faced delays, Trump has recently pushed the deadline to December 2025. Despite the ongoing pressure, Trump has expressed ambivalence about TikTok, admitting that he feels "a little prejudiced" towards the platform, as he believes it helped him connect with younger voters. He has also had discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with both U.S. and Chinese officials aiming to finalize the details of a potential deal by December 16. For the time being, TikTok continues its operations in the U.S., but its long-term viability depends on the outcome of these negotiations involving Washington, Beijing, and American investors vying for control.