Fox News’ Rupert Murdoch, tech CEO Michael Dell could take part in TikTok deal, says Trump

With a December 16 deadline looming, the news is the latest twist in a fast-moving potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the US

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Rupert Murdoch, centre, arrives for the banquet during US President Donald Trump’s state visit, at Windsor Castle, Britain on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 3:36am, 22 Sep 2025Updated: 1:27pm, 22 Sep 2025

US President Donald Trump said prominent billionaires – including media mogul Rupert Murdoch and tech founder Michael Dell – could be part of a deal in which the United States will take control of US operations of TikTok.

Trump name-dropped the 94-year-old Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch, the head of Fox News and News Corp, as part of a group of possible participants in a deal during an interview recorded on Friday and broadcast on Sunday on Fox News.

“I think they’re going to be in the group. A couple of others. Really great people, very prominent people,” Trump said.

“And they’re also American patriots, you know, they love this country. I think they’re going to do a really good job.”

Trump’s disclosure of the potential involvement of the Murdochs and Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, is the latest twist in a fast-moving potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the US.

Trump also said on Sunday that tech giant Oracle founder and CEO Larry Ellison was part of the same group.

His involvement had been previously disclosed. On Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Oracle would be responsible for the app’s data and security and that Americans will control six of the seven seats for a planned board.

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