UPDATE: Donald Trump has just confirmed that media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch could potentially join the group of American investors looking to acquire TikTok from its Chinese owners at ByteDance. In an exclusive interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” Trump stated, “A man named Lachlan is involved,” emphasizing that he was indeed referencing Lachlan Murdoch, a significant figure in conservative media.
This revelation adds a new twist to the ongoing discussions surrounding TikTok’s future. Trump suggested that the Murdochs are “probably gonna be in the group,” heightening speculation about their involvement in a deal that has remained shrouded in uncertainty.
The inclusion of the Murdoch family in the TikTok buyout is particularly noteworthy given their considerable influence in media. Alongside them, other prominent players such as Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle, and Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, are also believed to be part of this investor consortium. Ellison’s longstanding ties to Trump, notably since his first administration, further link this deal to the former president’s political network.
Trump’s remarks come as negotiations around TikTok intensify, with the platform facing increasing scrutiny over its ties to China. The urgency surrounding this potential acquisition is palpable, especially as TikTok aims to solidify its presence in the U.S. market amid regulatory challenges.
Insider reports have previously indicated that venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and investment firm Silver Lake could also play roles in this transaction, although Trump did not mention them specifically. He characterized the other involved parties as “really great people, very prominent people,” hinting at a powerful coalition forming to reshape TikTok’s ownership.
The Murdochs’ interest in TikTok aligns with their strategy to capture a younger audience, which has been elusive for traditional media outlets like Fox News. This potential acquisition could enable their conglomerate to deliver conservative content to a generation increasingly engaged on social media platforms.
Despite past tensions between Trump and Rupert Murdoch, largely due to critical reporting from the Wall Street Journal, the two have a complex history, including recent joint appearances in the UK. This relationship may influence their collaboration on the TikTok deal, which carries significant implications for both media and politics in the U.S.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the negotiations and the potential impact on TikTok’s operations. The urgency of this acquisition process highlights the shifting landscape of media ownership and the stakes involved for both the Murdochs and the Trump administration.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves, with implications that could reshape the future of social media in America.
