President Trump has dropped some heavyweight names as possible saviors for TikTok, the social media app facing a potential ban in the U.S. over national security fears.
According to Just the News, Trump revealed that media titans Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, alongside tech giants Larry Ellison of Oracle and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies, are among the potential buyers looking to keep the app running on American soil. This comes as the clock ticks on a congressional mandate to divest the China-owned platform or face a shutdown.
If these industry leaders step in, it could mark a turning point for TikTok, which has been caught in a tug-of-war between U.S. lawmakers and its parent company, ByteDance. Trump’s nod to these figures suggests a preference for homegrown ownership to address concerns about foreign influence.
Trump didn’t hold back on praising the potential buyers during his interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” calling them “really great people, very prominent people.” He specifically highlighted Ellison and Dell, noting their involvement and describing them as patriots who love the country.
Turning to the Murdochs, Trump teased their likely participation with a wry comment about Lachlan, saying, “I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved.” He added that Rupert Murdoch is probably part of the group, signaling confidence in their commitment to a deal.
The president’s enthusiasm for these figures isn’t just about their business acumen; it’s a clear signal that he sees American ownership as a non-negotiable fix for TikTok’s woes. If this group pulls through, it could reshape the app’s future without sacrificing its massive user base.
Last year, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that gave TikTok’s Chinese owners a stark ultimatum: sell the app within a year or face a nationwide ban. The legislation stemmed from fears that ByteDance could funnel U.S. user data to China’s Communist Party, a risk that has kept lawmakers on edge.
Trump’s recent call with Chinese President Xi Jinping appears to have smoothed some of those tensions, with both leaders reportedly backing a deal to keep TikTok operational in the U.S. The Chinese government confirmed that Trump agreed to support efforts for a “proper deal” on the platform.
This diplomatic maneuver shows a willingness to find a middle ground, but it’s hard to ignore the underlying message: American control is the only path forward. A foreign-owned app with millions of users can’t be left unchecked when data security hangs in the balance.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the push for domestic control, stating on Fox News that any deal would ensure TikTok is “majority-owned by Americans in the United States.” She also emphasized that the app’s algorithm, a key piece of its influence, “will also be controlled by America.”
That’s a sharp line in the sand, and it’s no surprise given the bipartisan concern over foreign tech dominance in an era of digital warfare. Letting American entrepreneurs take the reins isn’t just practical; it’s a statement of sovereignty.
Trump’s involvement in naming potential buyers like the Murdochs, Ellison, and Dell adds a layer of credibility to the negotiations. These aren’t just random investors; they’re proven players who could steer TikTok away from controversy and into compliance.
As the details of this potential agreement unfold, the stakes couldn’t be higher for TikTok’s millions of American users and the broader tech landscape. A successful sale to this group of moguls could set a precedent for how the U.S. handles foreign-owned platforms moving forward.
Yet, until the ink is dry, skepticism remains about whether China will fully relinquish control or if hidden strings will linger. The promise of American oversight is reassuring, but only time will tell if it’s ironclad.
For now, Trump’s confidence in these “patriots” offers a glimmer of hope that TikTok can shed its baggage and stay in the game. If this deal sticks, it might just prove that strategic business, not blanket bans, is the smarter way to protect national interests.
