It looks like Chinese social media platform TikTok will soon be under American control. President Donald Trump on Sunday said tech and media leaders Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch will be a part of the group to take over TikTok’s algorithm in the acquisition of the social media platform’s U.S. operations.
“You know, they’re very well-known people. And Larry Ellison is one of them. He’s involved. He’s a great guy. Michael Dell is involved. I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved,” Trump said on Fox News’ “Sunday Briefing,” referring to Lachlan Murdoch — the CEO of Fox Corp., which is the parent company of Fox News — and the son of Fox Corp. founder Rupert Murdoch.
Trump added that Rupert Murdoch “is probably going to be in the group.”
The TikTok talks involving the Murdochs could result in Fox Corp. becoming part of the consortium, according to a person familiar with the matter. Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch would not be investing as individuals.
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The makeup of American investors is required by the bill passed by Congress in April 2024, which required a nationwide ban of TikTok operations in the United States unless the social media app sold about 80% of its assets to American investors.
TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create, share, and watch short-form videos, typically lasting between 15 seconds and 3 minutes. Launched in 2016 by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, it gained global popularity for its easy-to-use editing tools, catchy music, and viral trends. Users engage with a wide range of content, including dance challenges, comedy skits, tutorials, and lifestyle videos.
The app’s algorithm is a key feature, curating a personalized “For You” feed based on user behavior, such as likes, shares, and watch time. TikTok has become a major platform for influencers, brands, and creators, shaping internet culture and trends worldwide. It appeals especially to younger audiences, but its reach has expanded across age groups. Despite facing controversies around data privacy and content moderation, TikTok continues to grow as a hub for creativity, entertainment, and social engagement in the digital age.
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Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Saturday that Oracle would be tasked with managing TikTok’s data and security in the United States, she added that six of the seven seats on a planned governing board will be filled by American appointees.
“The algorithm will also be controlled by America as well,” Leavitt told Fox News, stressing that the administration views the arrangement as a safeguard against possible Chinese influence on the platform’s recommendation system.
By involving prominent American tech and media figures and placing oversight of TikTok’s algorithm and data in U.S. hands, the move aims to address long-standing national security and privacy concerns about Chinese influence. This transition reflects growing global pressures on tech companies to localize control and comply with national regulations. While it may offer a path for TikTok to remain operational in the U.S., it also introduces new layers of governance and corporate influence that could reshape how the platform functions.