Murdochs Likely to Be Involved in TikTok Deal, Trump Confirms
President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are likely to be part of a group of investors seeking to acquire TikTok's US operations, alongside tech moguls Larry Ellison and Michael Dell. The proposed deal aims to address concerns over data security and comply with a US law requiring the sale of TikTok's American arm.
According to Trump, the Murdochs would "probably" be involved in the deal, which he believes will be successful. "I think they're going to do a really good job," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. He also praised the group as "American patriots." The president's comments suggest that a high-profile group is emerging to lead the effort.
The proposed acquisition comes after weeks of negotiations between the US and China over TikTok's future in the country. According to reports, the deal would see Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and Dell founder Michael Dell join forces with the Murdochs to acquire TikTok's American operations. The exact details of the proposal remain unclear, but it is believed that the group will address concerns over data security and comply with the US law requiring the sale of TikTok's American arm.
The deal has been in the works since August, when Trump signed an executive order requiring ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell its US operations. The order was issued due to concerns over data security and national security risks associated with TikTok's ties to China. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing between the US and Chinese governments.
Experts say that the involvement of high-profile investors like the Murdochs could help alleviate concerns over data security and national security risks. "The fact that Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are involved suggests that the group is serious about addressing these concerns," said a technology expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's a positive development for TikTok's future in the US."
As of now, it remains unclear when the deal will be finalized or what specific terms will be included. However, Trump's comments suggest that progress is being made on the proposal. The next step will likely involve further negotiations between the US and Chinese governments, as well as the proposed investors.
In a statement to the BBC, Oracle chairman Larry Ellison said that his company was "excited" about the prospect of acquiring TikTok's American operations. However, he declined to comment further on the details of the proposal. Dell founder Michael Dell also remained tight-lipped about the deal, saying only that his company was "exploring opportunities" in the tech sector.
The proposed acquisition has sparked both excitement and concern among investors and users alike. While some see it as a positive development for TikTok's future in the US, others are worried about the implications of a high-profile group acquiring the social media platform. As the negotiations continue, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok's American operations hangs in the balance.
Sources:
BBC Technology: "Murdochs likely to be involved in US TikTok deal, Trump says"
BBC Business: "Murdochs to Play Key Role in TikTok Deal, Trump Confirms"
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
