Trump Alleges Murdochs Eyeing TikTok Acquisition Amid Ban Threats

Former President Donald Trump has stirred the pot once again, suggesting that media moguls Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch are "very interested" and likely part of a formidable group poised to acquire TikTok. The revelation came during a candid discussion on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of the immensely popular video-sharing app's future in the United States.

Trump’s comments, "Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch, they’re looking to buy TikTok," and "I think they’re very interested in buying TikTok.

They’re a very powerful group," underscore the high stakes involved as TikTok faces an existential threat in the U.S. market. This potential bid by the Murdochs – known for their vast media empire including Fox Corporation and News Corp – could significantly alter the landscape of American digital media and content ownership.

The former president's statement also highlights a notable shift in his own stance on TikTok.

During his previous administration in 2020, Trump was a staunch advocate for banning the app, citing grave national security concerns due to its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance. He even issued executive orders that, if enacted, would have forced a sale to an American entity or resulted in a full ban.

At that time, tech giant Oracle and retail titan Walmart were among the prominent players engaged in discussions to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations.

However, Trump's recent remarks reveal a pragmatic turn. While still acknowledging potential issues, he expressed apprehension that a ban on TikTok could disproportionately benefit Facebook, a platform he controversially labeled a "true enemy of the people" and "evil." This evolving perspective is particularly relevant as the Biden administration recently signed a bipartisan bill into law.

This legislation mandates that ByteDance divest its ownership of TikTok within nine months to a year, or face a nationwide ban.

As the clock ticks down, the prospect of the Murdochs entering the fray introduces a new, powerful potential buyer into an already complex negotiation. The future of TikTok in the U.S.

remains a subject of intense speculation, balancing national security interests, free speech considerations, and the massive economic value of one of the world's most influential social media platforms. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal whether Trump's prediction holds true, and if the Murdochs will indeed become key players in TikTok's American destiny.