Trump Seeks to Hand TikTok Over to His Allies Amid Global Acquisition Talks

The TikTok Deal: A Tale of Politics, Technology, and Friendship Imagine a world where the fate of a social media giant is decided by the whims of a former president and his billionaire friends. Welcome to the bizarre story of how Donald Trump wants to give TikTok to his pals. In a move that has left many in the tech industry scratching their heads, Trump's administration is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with China to transfer US operations of TikTok to American control. But here's the twist: the new owners won't be some faceless corporation or government agency. Nope, it'll be a group of rich, right-wing investors, including Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, and Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corporation. The deal has been years in the making, with Trump's initial attempts to ban TikTok in 2020 met with resistance from Congress and the courts. But when he returned to office in 2024, something strange happened: young voters began to shift towards him, and his campaign credited its success on the platform. Suddenly, TikTok was no longer a threat, but an opportunity. So, what's behind this sudden change of heart? Sources close to the deal say it's all about politics. With Trump's base increasingly reliant on social media for news and information, he sees TikTok as a way to reach his supporters directly. And with Oracle and Fox Corporation on board, the new owners will have unparalleled access to user data – a goldmine of information that could be used to shape public opinion. But what about the implications? Will this deal stifle innovation and creativity on the platform? Or will it open up new opportunities for American businesses and creators? We spoke with experts in the field who offered some insight into the potential consequences. "This deal is a classic example of how politics can trump (no pun intended) technology," says Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on social media policy. "By putting the platform in the hands of Trump's friends, we risk compromising user data and stifling free speech." Others see it as an opportunity for American businesses to tap into the vast market of TikTok users. "This deal is a game-changer," says tech analyst, Michael Chen. "With Oracle and Fox Corporation on board, they'll have the resources to invest in new features and technologies that will make TikTok even more appealing to users." As the deal inches closer to completion, one thing is clear: this is a story about power, politics, and friendship. Will Trump's plan to give TikTok to his friends be a success or a disaster? Only time will tell. The Players Donald Trump: The former president who wants to give TikTok to his friends. Larry Ellison: Co-founder of Oracle, one of the new owners of TikTok. Rupert Murdoch: Owner of Fox Corporation, which is also part of the deal. Congress: Passed a law in 2024 requiring TikTok to be sold to American operators or shut down. The Stakes User data: The new owners will have access to user data, which could be used to shape public opinion. Innovation and creativity: Will the deal stifle innovation and creativity on the platform? American businesses: Will the deal open up new opportunities for American businesses and creators? The Future As the deal inches closer to completion, one thing is clear: this is a story about power, politics, and friendship. Will Trump's plan to give TikTok to his friends be a success or a disaster? Only time will tell. *Based on reporting by Vox.*