Trump Suggests Murdochs May Invest in TikTok’s US Operations Amid Growing Scrutiny

news: President Trump reveals media figures, including Rupert and lachlan Murdoch, are possibly joining the investor group seeking control of TikTok's US operations.">

Murdochs Linked to Potential TikTok US Takeover Amidst National Security Review

Archyde News Staff | September 22, 2025

US authorities continue to examine the ownership structure of TikTok’s American division.

Washington D.C. – President donald Trump revealed Sunday that Rupert Murdoch, the prominent media executive, and his son, Lachlan Murdoch, are being considered as potential investors in the future ownership of TikTok’s United States operations. This progress emerges as the governance continues to navigate a complex national security review of the popular social media platform.

The Ongoing Saga of TikTok and US Security Concerns

the United States Government has been intensely focused on the ownership of tiktok, particularly its relationship with the Chinese technology corporation ByteDance, citing legitimate concerns about data security and potential influence.Since earlier this year, the administration has been actively pursuing a resolution that would see the platform’s US arm transition into the hands of American investors. The aim is to address these national security risks while allowing the app to continue serving its considerable American user base.

A Growing List of Potential Investors

President Trump initially indicated that a group of “patriots,” including tech industry leaders, would be involved in the potential deal.Previously mentioned investors are Oracle Executive Chairman Larry ellison and entrepreneur Michael Dell. The addition of the Murdochs signals a broadening of this prospective investment consortium. “I hate to tell you this, but a man named Lachlan is involved… Lachlan Murdoch, I believe,” Trump stated during an interview with Fox News. “And Rupert is, is probably going to be in the group. I think they’re going to be in the group. Couple of others, really great people, very prominent people.”

Murdoch Family and Media Influence

Rupert Murdoch, a long-standing figure in the media landscape, presides over a vast media empire encompassing the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.His son, Lachlan Murdoch, recently consolidated his leadership position within the family’s holdings, including Fox News and News Corp, following a resolution to a family legal dispute earlier this month. The potential involvement of the murdochs adds another layer of complexity to the deal, given their extensive influence in the media industry.

White House Signals Imminent Deal

Officials at the White House indicated Saturday that the composition of the board for the new entity controlling TikTok’s US operations would be dominated by American citizens. They further projected a potential agreement “in the coming days.” This suggests the negotiations are entering a critical phase, potentially resolving the months-long uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States.

Key Figure	Role	Affiliation
Donald Trump	President of the united States	The White house
Rupert Murdoch	Media Mogul	News Corp, Fox News
Lachlan Murdoch	Executive Chairman & CEO	Fox News, News Corp
Larry Ellison	Executive Chairman & CTO	Oracle
Michael Dell	Founder & CEO	Dell Technologies

The Broader Implications of TikTok’s Future

The situation with TikTok highlights the growing scrutiny of foreign-owned technology companies operating within the United States. This case is expected to set a precedent for future reviews of similar platforms and investments. The outcome will likely shape the debate surrounding data privacy, national security, and the balance between open markets and protective measures against potential security threats. In early 2024, The Council on Foreign Relations published a thorough report detailing the risks associated with foreign-owned social media platforms.

Did You Know?: TikTok boasts over 170 million active users in the United States as of September 2025, making it one of the most popular social media platforms in the country.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about data privacy and security best practices on all social media platforms, regardless of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions about TikTok and the Potential Takeover

• what is the primary concern regarding TikTok? The main concern is data security and the potential for the Chinese government to access user data.
• Who are the potential investors in TikTok’s US operations? Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Larry Ellison, and Michael Dell are amongst those being considered.
• What is the US government hoping to achieve with this deal? The government seeks to ensure TikTok’s US operations are controlled by American entities, mitigating national security risks.
• is there a timeline for a resolution? The White House suggests a deal could be finalized “in the coming days.”
• What impact might the Murdoch’s involvement have? Their media influence adds a new dimension to the potential ownership structure.
• How does this compare to other tech regulations? This situation sets a precedent for increased scrutiny of foreign-owned technology companies by the US government.
• What are the risks involved in allowing tiktok to continue operating in the US? Potential risks include data breaches, censorship, and the spread of misinformation.

What are your thoughts on the potential takeover of tiktok? Share your comments below!

How might a Murdoch-led TikTok US address existing data security concerns raised by US lawmakers?

The potential Murdoch-TikTok Connection

Recent reports indicate former President Donald Trump has suggested that the Murdoch family, owners of News Corp, might be interested in investing in TikTok’s US operations. This development arrives amidst escalating national security concerns and ongoing scrutiny surrounding TikTok’s Chinese ownership by ByteDance. The suggestion, made during a private meeting, signals a potential pathway for TikTok too navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape in the United States.This potential investment could reshape the future of social media and data security.

Background: TikTok’s US Regulatory Challenges

For months, TikTok has faced intense pressure from US lawmakers and regulators. Concerns center around:

* Data Security: Fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. This is a primary driver of the scrutiny, with anxieties about potential espionage and influence operations.

* Content Moderation: Allegations of biased content moderation and the potential for the platform to be used for propaganda.

* national Security: Broader concerns about the platform’s potential to compromise national security interests.

These concerns have led to legislative efforts aimed at banning TikTok outright or forcing ByteDance to divest its US assets. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed earlier this year, is a key example.

Trump’s Role and the Proposed Solution

Trump,who previously attempted to ban TikTok as president,now appears to favor a solution involving US ownership. He has publicly stated his belief that a US company should control TikTok, citing national security as the paramount concern.

His suggestion of the Murdochs stems from their existing media empire and financial resources. News Corp, encompassing outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and the New York Post, possesses the capital and infrastructure to potentially manage a platform like tiktok.

Why the Murdochs? Assessing the Fit

The Murdoch family’s potential involvement isn’t without its own complexities. However, several factors make them a plausible candidate:

* Financial Capacity: news Corp has significant financial resources to acquire or invest in TikTok’s US operations.

* media Expertise: The Murdochs have decades of experience in media ownership and management.

* political Connections: Their established political connections could potentially ease regulatory hurdles.

* Existing Digital Footprint: News Corp already has a meaningful digital presence, which could be leveraged to integrate TikTok.

Implications for TikTok Users and the Tech Landscape

A Murdoch-led TikTok US could have significant ramifications:

* Data Privacy: While a US owner might alleviate some national security concerns, data privacy remains a critical issue. Users will likely demand openness and robust data protection measures.

* Content Moderation Policies: Changes to content moderation policies are anticipated, potentially aligning with News Corp’s editorial stance. This could lead to shifts in the types of content allowed on the platform.

* Competition: The deal could alter the competitive landscape of social media, potentially strengthening News Corp’s position in the digital space.

* Future of ByteDance: ByteDance would likely retain ownership of the TikTok algorithm, but its control over the US operations would be significantly diminished.

The Broader Geopolitical Context: US-China Tech Rivalry

This situation is deeply embedded in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry. The US government has increasingly targeted Chinese tech companies, citing national security concerns. TikTok is just one example of this broader trend. Other companies, like Huawei and ZTE, have faced similar restrictions.

This rivalry extends beyond tiktok, encompassing areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and 5G technology. The US is actively seeking to reduce its reliance on Chinese technology and promote domestic innovation.

Potential Hurdles and Regulatory Approval

Even with Trump’s support and the Murdochs’ potential interest, several hurdles remain:

* CFIUS Review: Any deal would require approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the united States (CFIUS), which scrutinizes foreign investments for national security implications.

* Congressional Scrutiny: Lawmakers who have been critical of TikTok will likely demand strict conditions and oversight.

* ByteDance’s Cooperation: ByteDance must be willing to divest its US assets, which may not be a straightforward process.

* Antitrust Concerns: Regulators will need to assess weather a Murdoch-led TikTok US would create a monopoly or stifle competition.

Case Study: Previous Attempts at TikTok Divestiture

Previous attempts to find a US buyer for TikTok’s US operations, including negotiations with Oracle and Walmart, ultimately stalled. These negotiations faced challenges related to valuation, data security guarantees, and technological complexities. The current situation with the Murdochs may face similar obstacles.

Real-world Example: Huawei and US Restrictions

The case of Huawei provides a precedent for the US government’s willingness to restrict Chinese tech companies. Huawei has been effectively barred