Introduction:
In an interview on Fox News' "Sunday Briefing" aired September 21, 2025, President Donald Trump disclosed that prominent figures including Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Larry Ellison, and Michael Dell are involved in the acquisition of TikTok's U.S. operations from China's ByteDance.
This revelation expands on prior reports of a consortium with Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz.
The Announcement: Trump's Fox News Disclosure
During the "Sunday Briefing," Trump elaborated on the TikTok deal when asked about investors: "Larry Ellison is one of them. Heβs involved. This great guy, Michael Dell is involved... Lachlan Murdoch... Rupert is probably going to be in the group."
The Murdochs' involvement, potentially via Fox Corp., raises questions about content bias on the app.
Investor Roles: Murdochs, Ellison, Dell, and More
- Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch: Likely through Fox Corp., which Lachlan leads; Rupert's media empire includes Fox News, potentially influencing TikTok's algorithm.
- Larry Ellison: Oracle co-founder; Oracle will manage U.S. data and privacy, a key security pillar.
- Michael Dell: Dell Technologies CEO; considering investment, possibly with Silver Lake ties.
- Others: Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz, General Atlantic, Susquehanna remain in the consortium.
The seven-seat board will have six Americans for oversight.
Deal Context: U.S.-China Talks and TikTok's Fate
The acquisition resolves a 2024 law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. assets over data security fears.
Historical Context: TikTok's U.S. Saga
TikTok, launched 2018, grew to 170 million U.S. users but faced bans over ByteDance's Chinese ties.
Statistics: TikTok's U.S. Footprint and Deal Scale
- U.S. Users: 170 million monthly.
- Global Revenue: $18 billion 2024.
- Investors: ByteDance 100%; post-deal, U.S. majority.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
U.S. Users | 170M |
Daily Active | 100M+ |
2024 Revenue | $18B |
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Expert Opinions: Bias Risks and Deal Viability
CNBC: "Murdochs' involvement raises content neutrality fears."
Potential Impacts: Content, Politics, Market
Murdoch ties could tilt algorithm conservative, per analysts.
Conclusion: Trump's TikTok Investor Reveal
Trump's September 21, 2025, disclosure of Murdochs, Ellison, and Dell in the TikTok deal advances U.S. control.
FAQ
Who are the new investors?
Rupert/Lachlan Murdoch, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell.
Deal status?
Approved by Xi; fast-moving.
Oracle's role?
Data and privacy management.
U.S. users?
170 million monthly.
Why Murdochs?
Potential Fox Corp. investment.
Trump's comment?
"They love this country; good job ahead."