US President Donald Trump will speak on September 19, 2025 at the White House Oval Office in Washington, DC, USA.
Kencedeno | Reuters
President Donald Trump said in an interview that conservative media Baron Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan are likely involved in a contract to save the US Tiktok.
“There’s a guy named Lachlan involved,” Trump said on Fox News’ Sunday Briefing.
“Lachlan Murdoch … Rupert (Murdoch) will probably be in the group. I think they will be in the group,” he continued.
Trump said that too Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell could also be involved in the Tiktok deal.
“Other couples, really great people, very well-known people,” Trump said.
“And they are also American patriots, you know, they love this country, so I think they’ll do a really good job,” he continued.
While familiar people told CNBC it is unlikely that Lachlan Murdoch will take part in a Tiktok transaction individually, Fox Corporation, where Lachlan Murdoch is executive chair and CEO, could play a role.
Trump’s remarks come as details of a transaction that allows Tiktok, currently owned by Chinese company regulations, to continue his activities in the United States.
Congress last year passed a bill banning popular social media platforms unless they are sold from US businesses amid national security concerns.
The White House provided new details of the possible contract on Saturday, saying six of the seven-member committee that controls Tiktok will become Americans.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the US also controls the app’s algorithms, addressing major sticking points in negotiations.
Leavitt also said that data and privacy for US apps will be led by Oracle.
Trump and Xi called on Friday about possible Tiktok contracts. After the call, Trump said the deal was “as you know, investors are preparing” and “going well.”
However, China in its own statement suggested that both sides were even further apart in negotiations.
“China’s position on the Tiktok issue is clear. The Chinese government respects the will of the corporations and is pleased to have companies negotiate business based on market rules, and reach a solution that complies with Chinese laws and regulations and balances profits.”
“We hope that the US side will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing in the US,” the statement read.
CNBC reached out to the White House and Tiktok for comment.