On Sunday, former President Donald Trump announced that a group of leading American business leaders will be involved in a proposed agreement designed to keep TikTok operational within the United States. Among the investors named are media executive Lachlan Murdoch, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies. This new ownership structure aims to reduce ByteDance’s control, the Chinese parent company of TikTok.
The White House has confirmed that the envisioned U.S.-based entity would be governed by a seven-member board, with six seats allocated to American representatives and only one reserved for ByteDance.
This restructuring is intended to alleviate ongoing concerns in Washington regarding data security, transparency of TikTok’s algorithms, and the potential for foreign interference in American affairs.
Trump described the negotiations as making “significant headway,” noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has given preliminary approval to the arrangement. However, Beijing has yet to officially endorse the deal, emphasizing that any agreement must adhere to China’s regulations on technology transfer and intellectual property rights.
The initiative follows a 2024 congressional law mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. Although the original deadline was January 2025, it has been extended multiple times amid ongoing discussions.
With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok remains one of the nation’s most widely used apps, particularly popular among younger demographics. The White House recognizes the platform’s significance, with Trump himself acknowledging that an outright ban would be too drastic given TikTok’s cultural impact.
Lachlan Murdoch’s participation introduces a strong media influence to the negotiations, reflecting his leadership at Fox Corporation. Oracle, under Larry Ellison, is expected to manage TikTok’s data infrastructure and ensure compliance with U.S. security standards.
Michael Dell’s involvement adds substantial technological expertise and investment credibility to the proposed ownership model. Trump also mentioned that Rupert Murdoch might have an indirect role through corporate channels, though the primary focus remains on Lachlan Murdoch’s direct engagement.
A Pivotal Restructuring for TikTok
If finalized, this deal would mark one of the most notable government-facilitated restructurings of a major social media platform in recent history.
The administration insists that the new structure will place TikTok’s U.S. operations firmly under American control, while still allowing ByteDance a minority stake.
Officials suggest ByteDance’s ownership would likely fall below 20%, granting American investors a clear majority.
Nonetheless, the proposal faces significant challenges. U.S. lawmakers continue to express concerns about the possibility of foreign access to American user data.
There are also calls for greater openness regarding TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, which critics argue could sway public opinion and influence elections.
Additionally, China’s export restrictions on artificial intelligence technology may complicate the transfer of algorithmic control to the U.S.
For the Trump administration, the challenge lies in balancing national security priorities with public demand. TikTok’s cultural and political relevance makes a ban highly controversial, yet there is bipartisan consensus in Congress on preventing Chinese firms from controlling platforms used daily by millions of Americans.
The current proposal is positioned as a compromise that preserves TikTok’s presence while addressing security concerns.
Negotiators are working intensively to finalize the agreement. Trump has repeatedly stated that the deal is near completion, though skeptics point out that previous deadlines have been missed.
Meanwhile, ByteDance emphasizes its desire to remain active in the U.S. market but must also comply with Chinese laws restricting the transfer of core technologies.
Implications for TikTok’s Future
Should the deal proceed as planned, TikTok’s U.S. operations would become majority-owned by American investors, including high-profile figures.
Oracle, led by Ellison, would oversee data management and security protocols, while Dell and Murdoch’s involvement would further integrate TikTok into U.S. corporate and media ecosystems. ByteDance would retain a minor stake and a single board seat, ensuring representation without controlling influence.
The stakes extend beyond business interests. For Trump, maintaining TikTok’s availability in the U.S. could bolster connections with younger voters, a demographic increasingly pivotal in elections.
From Beijing’s perspective, allowing ByteDance to retain a board seat may serve as a diplomatic compromise, preserving some influence while avoiding a complete loss of control. For TikTok’s vast user base, the agreement could bring much-needed clarity after months of uncertainty about the app’s future in America.
As talks continue, both parties seem motivated to prevent a total ban. The fate of TikTok in the U.S. now hinges on whether these influential stakeholders can forge a solution that satisfies both Washington and Beijing, while keeping millions of American users engaged.
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