Trump Unveils Key Investors for Pivotal TikTok Deal

September 27, 2025, 9:57 pm
ByteDance
ByteDance
Artificial IntelligenceContentCultureITLifeMessangerNewsPlatformTechnologyVideo
Location: Japan, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka-shi
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 2012
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
BusinessDatabaseNewsOnlineOracleProject ManagementServiceSoftwareTechnologyWebsite
Location: United States, New York
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1889
TikTok
TikTok
AppInternetLocalMediaMobilePagePhoneSocialVideo
Location: United States, California, Santa Monica
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 2016
Total raised: $300K
Fox News Media
Fox News Media
AudioBusinessEntertainmentHealthTechMediaNewsPageSportsTechnologyVideo
Location: United States, New York
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1996
President Trump unveiled a lineup of influential US investors for a proposed TikTok deal. Media mogul Lachlan Murdoch, tech titan Michael Dell, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison are named participants. This pivotal arrangement seeks to secure TikTok's American operations under domestic ownership, addressing deep-seated national security apprehensions surrounding its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The popular social media platform faces an uncertain future. Intense US-China negotiations are underway to finalize terms. This significant move by the Trump administration underscores a commitment to fortifying American control over critical digital infrastructure. It marks a decisive moment for the app's presence in the United States.

A major shift for TikTok is underway. President Trump named influential figures for its US operations. Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison are slated to invest. These individuals represent vast power. Their involvement signals a critical turning point.

The popular social media platform, TikTok, faces divestiture. Its current owner, ByteDance, is a Chinese company. US officials harbor serious national security concerns. They fear Chinese government access to user data. Manipulation of the app’s algorithm is another worry. This deal aims to transfer TikTok's US assets. American ownership is the goal.

Lachlan Murdoch brings significant media influence. He helms Fox Corp. His family’s empire includes Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. Trump hinted at Rupert Murdoch’s potential involvement too. Any investment would come through Fox Corp. This ensures a powerful US media presence. It adds a conservative voice to the platform.

Michael Dell represents the tech sector. He founded Dell Technologies. His participation ties another industry giant to TikTok. Larry Ellison, Oracle's co-founder, also joins the effort. Oracle's role has been previously known. The company will manage TikTok's data and security. This is a crucial element of the deal. Oracle's expertise secures American data.

Trump praises these individuals. He calls them "American patriots." Their involvement serves US interests. This administration has intervened directly in US business. These moves draw both support and criticism. They challenge traditional capitalist norms. But Trump defends them. He cites national benefit.

The proposed deal structure outlines American control. US investors will hold a majority stake. A board of directors will oversee operations. Americans will control six of its seven seats. ByteDance would retain a minority stake. It would hold less than 20% of the joint venture. This ensures decisive American influence.

Negotiations continue with China. Trump discussed the TikTok deal with Xi Jinping. A deadline looms. Officials have until December 16 to finalize terms. This follows several extensions. The administration has kept TikTok operating. Congress had passed a ban. That ban was set for January. But Trump delayed its enforcement.

TikTok's reach is immense. It boasts 170 million US users. The app shapes public discourse. It influences politics and culture. Trump himself credits TikTok. He claims it helps connect with young voters. This political dimension underscores the deal's importance. Control over such a platform is strategic.

The national security imperative remains paramount. The US seeks to safeguard user information. It aims to prevent foreign influence. This deal directly addresses those threats. It attempts to shield American digital spaces. It ensures data residency and integrity.

The current legal landscape is complex. Trump sued The Wall Street Journal. He also sued Rupert Murdoch. This occurred over a separate report. Despite this, Murdoch family involvement proceeds. Business interests sometimes transcend political disputes.

This TikTok deal sets a precedent. It highlights growing government involvement in tech. It reflects broader US-China tech tensions. Washington seeks to reassert digital sovereignty. The outcome will impact future cross-border tech ventures. It marks a significant moment for global digital policy.

The deal's final details remain under wraps. Many questions persist. How will the new board operate? What oversight mechanisms will be in place? The transition itself will be complex. Yet, the path towards American ownership is clear. The Trump administration is driving this change. It aims for a swift, decisive resolution.

The stakes are high. TikTok's future in the US hangs in the balance. Millions of users await clarity. The global tech community observes closely. This deal will redefine social media ownership. It cements American control over a vital digital asset. It is a bold strategic maneuver.