On September 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that prominent business figures, including media mogul Rupert Murdoch, his son Lachlan Murdoch, and tech leaders Michael Dell and Larry Ellison, are likely involved in a deal to secure U.S. control of the popular social media platform TikTok. The announcement, made during an interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” sheds light on the ongoing efforts to address national security concerns surrounding TikTok’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance.
High-Profile Involvement
Trump highlighted the participation of well-known American business leaders in the deal. “They’re very well-known people,” he said, specifically naming Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, and Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies. He also suggested that Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, who recently took over leadership of Fox Corp. and News Corp., are part of the group. “Lachlan is involved. Do you know who Lachlan is? That’s a very unusual name, Lachlan Murdoch,” Trump noted, adding that Rupert Murdoch is “probably going to be in the group.”
While Trump did not provide specific details about their roles, a source familiar with the matter clarified to NBC News that Lachlan Murdoch is not individually involved, but Fox Corp., the media conglomerate he leads, will play a role in the deal. Oracle, led by Ellison, is set to manage TikTok’s data and privacy operations, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on September 20, 2025.
The Deal’s Structure
The proposed agreement aims to place TikTok under American control to address concerns that ByteDance could share user data with the Chinese government or allow manipulation of the platform’s algorithm. Leavitt explained that the deal ensures TikTok will be majority-owned by Americans, with six of the seven board seats controlling the U.S. operations held by American citizens. However, it remains unclear whether Lachlan Murdoch or other named individuals will serve on this board or contribute in other capacities.
The deal follows a framework agreement between U.S. and Chinese officials, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with a deadline of December 16, 2025, to finalize details. This comes after Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2024, signed by then-President Joe Biden, requiring TikTok’s sale to a U.S.-based company or face a ban. The law was set to take effect in January 2025, but Trump extended the deadline multiple times, allowing negotiations to continue.
Why TikTok Matters
TikTok, with over 170 million U.S. users, has been a point of contention due to its Chinese ownership. U.S. officials have long expressed concerns that ByteDance could be pressured by the Chinese government to share sensitive user data or manipulate content on the platform in ways that are difficult to detect. Trump, who initially supported a ban, has softened his stance, citing TikTok’s role in helping him connect with younger voters. He credited conservative activist Charlie Kirk for encouraging his use of the platform.
A Complex Relationship with the Murdochs
The involvement of the Murdoch family adds an intriguing layer to the story. Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch lead a media empire that includes conservative-leaning outlets like Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. While Trump frequently appears on Fox News, his relationship with The Wall Street Journal has been strained. In July 2025, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Fox Corp. and Rupert Murdoch after the Journal published an article alleging ties between Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this tension, Trump’s comments suggest the Murdochs’ involvement in the TikTok deal is significant.
What’s Next?
Details about the TikTok deal remain limited, with Trump only hinting at additional “great people, very prominent people” and “American patriots” being involved. Neither Dell Technologies nor representatives for Ellison or the Murdochs have commented on their roles. As the December deadline approaches, the deal’s final structure and its implications for TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users will become clearer.
The involvement of high-profile figures like the Murdochs, Dell, and Ellison underscores the deal’s importance, both for national security and the future of one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.