Trump Implicates Murdochs in Potential TikTok Deal

President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that media moguls Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch are likely participants in the ongoing negotiations to acquire the US operations of TikTok. The statement, made during an interview with Peter Doocy on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” sheds further light on the complex and protracted sale process of the popular Chinese-owned social media platform.

Murdoch’s Involvement in TikTok Sale

While administration officials have repeatedly hinted at an imminent agreement, details have remained scarce, leading to ongoing speculation. Trump confirmed the involvement of other prominent figures, including Larry Ellison and Michael Dell, before focusing on the Murdoch family’s anticipated role. “Lachlan is involved,” Trump stated, adding, “Rupert is probably gonna be in the group… Really great people. Very prominent people. And they’re also American patriots.”

This assertion aligns with a CNN report suggesting Fox Corporation, the media conglomerate owned by Rupert Murdoch and headed by Lachlan Murdoch as CEO, will be part of a consortium of investors. However, Trump’s comments specifically implicated the Murdochs as individual participants, a detail not confirmed by Fox representatives, who did not respond to requests for comment.

National Security Concerns and Congressional Action

The proposed sale stems from the 2024 Congressional mandate demanding the divestment of TikTok’s US operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The legislation, driven by concerns over national security and user data privacy, set a deadline for the transfer to a US entity. The Trump administration, despite initially supporting the law, has repeatedly extended the deadline, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US.

TikTok’s User Base and Political Influence

With an estimated 170 million users in the United States, TikTok has become a significant force in social media. Trump, during his Sunday interview, even credited the platform with contributing to his 2024 re-election victory. This claim, however, remains unsubstantiated and subject to debate.

Timing and Legal Challenges

Trump’s remarks come amidst ongoing legal battles, including a lawsuit filed against Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit stems from the publication of allegations concerning a crude poem and doodle allegedly created by the president for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday celebration. This legal conflict adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate TikTok sale negotiations.

Conclusion: Unresolved Questions Remain

While President Trump’s comments offer a glimpse into the potential investor group for TikTok’s US operations, many questions remain unanswered. The exact structure of the deal, the level of individual involvement by the Murdochs, and the ultimate timeline for the sale remain uncertain. Further clarification is needed to fully understand the implications of this significant development in the ongoing saga of TikTok in the United States.

Source: The Guardian