Trump Links TikTok Deal to Murdoch Empire, Raising Questions on Influence and Power

The TikTok Deal: A Web of Power and Influence In a surprising twist, President Donald Trump has revealed that the Murdochs, owners of Fox Corp., will have a role in the new deal to acquire TikTok, the popular social media app. This revelation raises questions about the true nature of this deal and its implications for society. The story begins with a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, which led to the announcement that Oracle Corp., Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake Management LLC will be majority owners of TikTok's US operations. But what caught everyone off guard was Trump's mention of Lachlan Murdoch, the chairman of Fox Corp., and his father Rupert Murdoch as being involved in the deal. "I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved," Trump said in an interview on Fox News' The Sunday Briefing. "Lachlan is... that's a very unusual name, Lachlan Murdoch." He added that "Rupert is probably going to be in the group." This unexpected turn of events has sparked debate about the true intentions behind this deal and who really stands to gain from it. On one hand, the Murdochs' involvement could bring stability and expertise to TikTok's operations. Rupert Murdoch, a media mogul with decades of experience, has built a reputation for turning around struggling companies. On the other hand, critics argue that this deal is a classic example of "crony capitalism," where powerful individuals use their influence to secure lucrative deals. The Murdochs' involvement raises questions about conflicts of interest and whether they will prioritize profits over user safety and data protection. The TikTok deal is also shrouded in controversy due to its implications for national security. The US government has been concerned about the app's ties to China, citing fears that it could be used as a tool for espionage or propaganda. By allowing American investors to take control of TikTok's US operations, the deal aims to address these concerns. However, experts warn that this deal may not be as straightforward as it seems. "The Murdochs' involvement is just one part of a larger web of power and influence," says Dr. Rachel Kim, an expert on media ownership and regulation. "We need to look beyond the surface level and examine the underlying dynamics at play." As the deal is finalized in the coming days, one thing is clear: this is not just about TikTok or social media; it's about the future of technology, data protection, and national security. The Players Lachlan Murdoch: Chairman of Fox Corp. and son of Rupert Murdoch Rupert Murdoch: Media mogul and owner of Fox Corp. Larry Ellison: Chairman of Oracle Corp. Michael Dell: Chairman of Dell Inc. ByteDance Ltd.: Parent company of TikTok The Implications The deal raises questions about conflicts of interest, crony capitalism, and the role of powerful individuals in shaping the media landscape It highlights concerns about national security, data protection, and user safety The Murdochs' involvement may bring stability and expertise to TikTok's operations but also raises red flags about their motivations The Future As the deal is finalized, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of a larger conversation about the role of technology in society. As we navigate this complex web of power and influence, it's essential that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and user safety. In conclusion, the TikTok deal is not just about social media; it's about the future of our digital lives, national security, and the values we want to uphold as a society. *Based on reporting by Fortune.*