Trump's TikTok Plan: Selling to Trump Allies Could Redefine Social Media Ownership

The TikTok Deal: How Trump's Plan to Give the App to His Friends Could Change the Social Media Landscape Imagine waking up one morning to find out that your favorite social media app, TikTok, has been sold to a group of wealthy investors with ties to President Donald Trump. Sounds like science fiction? Not quite. According to recent reports, this is exactly what could happen if the proposed deal between the Trump administration and Oracle, a tech giant with close ties to the White House, goes through. The story begins in 2020 when President Trump first attempted to ban TikTok from the US market over concerns about its Chinese ownership. But after a series of twists and turns, including a change of heart by Trump himself, it seems that the app's fate is now tied to a group of investors who are anything but neutral. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has been at the forefront of the negotiations with the Chinese government. A longtime supporter of Trump, Ellison has been instrumental in shaping the deal, which would see TikTok's US operations transferred to an American consortium led by Oracle and Fox Corporation, owner of Fox News. The implications are far-reaching, not just for TikTok users but also for the social media landscape as a whole. So, what does this mean for the future of TikTok? And who exactly are these investors that Trump is willing to hand over one of the world's most popular apps to? The Context: A Five-Year Odyssey To understand the significance of this deal, it's essential to look back at the five-year journey that has led us here. In 2020, President Trump first raised concerns about TikTok's Chinese ownership, citing national security risks. The app was subsequently banned from US app stores, but a federal court blocked the ban, allowing the app to continue operating in the country. In 2024, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok to be sold to American operators or shut down. But when Trump came back into office, he had a change of heart, and his campaign attributed some of its success to its presence on the platform. Since then, Trump has signed a series of executive orders delaying implementation of the law. The Players: Who's Behind the Deal? At the center of this deal is Larry Ellison, Oracle's co-founder and CEO. A longtime supporter of Trump, Ellison has been instrumental in shaping the negotiations with the Chinese government. But what about the other investors involved? Fox Corporation, owner of Fox News, is also part of the consortium. The company's ties to Trump are well-documented, and its involvement in the deal raises questions about the influence of right-wing media on social media platforms. Oracle itself has a long history with the Trump administration. In 2020, the company was awarded a contract to provide cloud services to the US government. This close relationship has led some to speculate that Oracle's involvement in the TikTok deal is more than just coincidence. The Implications: What Does this Mean for Social Media? So what does this mean for social media users and the platforms themselves? The implications are far-reaching, with potential consequences for both free speech and national security. On one hand, the deal could lead to a more Americanized version of TikTok, with greater transparency and accountability. But on the other hand, it raises concerns about the influence of right-wing investors on social media platforms and their ability to shape public opinion. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: this deal has the potential to change the social media landscape forever. Whether you're a TikTok user or just someone who cares about the future of online communication, it's essential to stay informed about what's happening behind the scenes. Conclusion The proposed deal between Trump and Oracle is a complex web of politics, business, and technology. As we navigate this new landscape, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok and its users hangs in the balance. Will this deal lead to a more transparent and accountable social media platform? Or will it cement the influence of right-wing investors on online communication? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – the future of social media has never been more uncertain. *Based on reporting by Vox.*