Trump Ignites Speculation: Murdochs Eyed for Pivotal Role in TikTok's Future Management

The political and corporate saga surrounding TikTok took another intriguing turn recently, as former President Donald Trump openly speculated about the potential involvement of media titans Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch in the popular social media platform's future management. This pronouncement adds a new layer of complexity to TikTok's precarious position in the United States, where it faces an impending deadline to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or risk a nationwide ban.

Trump, speaking publicly, indicated that the powerful Murdoch family – known for their vast media empire including News Corp and Fox Corp – could be instrumental in steering TikTok should a sale or restructuring occur.

"I would assume they’re going to be involved," Trump stated, referring to Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, suggesting a significant role in the app's leadership. This isn't the first time the Murdochs have been mentioned in connection with major tech and media deals, though their direct involvement with TikTok's potential new structure would represent a major power shift.

The former president's comments are particularly noteworthy given his evolving stance on TikTok.

During his administration, Trump initially pursued a ban on the app, citing national security risks due to its ownership by ByteDance and fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. However, he later pivoted to advocating for a sale of the U.S. operations to an American entity, a position he seems to maintain.

The current legal battle sees ByteDance challenging a new law signed by President Joe Biden, which mandates that the company divest TikTok's U.S.

assets by January 19, 2025, or face a ban. The law, passed with bipartisan support, reflects persistent concerns across the political spectrum about data privacy and potential Chinese influence. TikTok and ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional and infringes on free speech rights of its 170 million American users.

While Trump did not elaborate on the specific capacity in which the Murdochs might serve, his suggestion opens the door to considerable speculation.

Rupert Murdoch, a legendary figure in global media, and his son Lachlan, who chairs Fox Corporation and co-chairs News Corp, command immense influence and experience. Their potential entry into TikTok's management could bring significant strategic direction and a strong lobbying presence, potentially reshaping the app's public perception and operational strategy in the U.S.

Previous discussions around TikTok's U.S.

ownership have involved other prominent figures and companies. Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, was a leading contender for a deal in 2020 that would have seen it become a "trusted technology partner" without a full divestment. More recently, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has reportedly been assembling an investor group to explore a potential acquisition of TikTok's U.S.

operations, emphasizing the intense interest from high-profile business leaders.

As the legal challenges unfold and the January deadline draws nearer, the fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains highly uncertain. Trump's latest remarks serve as a potent reminder of the high-stakes political, economic, and media interests at play, adding a new, powerful name to the list of potential architects of TikTok's future.