A significant shift is underway for TikTok’s U.S. operations, as its parent company, ByteDance, prepares to divest a substantial portion of its American assets. This impending transaction is poised to bring a diverse consortium of investors, including prominent technology figures and established firms, into control of the popular social media platform’s presence in the United States. The move signals a complex negotiation and restructuring aimed at addressing regulatory concerns.
President Donald Trump has publicly identified several key individuals and entities slated to be involved in this transition. Among them are Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, and Rupert Murdoch, the influential media proprietor. Michael Dell, another prominent figure in the technology sector, has also been named as a potential participant. These individuals represent a blend of technological innovation and established business acumen expected to shape TikTok’s future in the U.S. market.
Beyond these named figures, reports indicate a broader group of potential stakeholders. Investment firms such as Silver Lake Management and the Abu Dhabi-based venture capital firm MGX are also reportedly in contention to acquire stakes in TikTok’s U.S. business. Vice President JD Vance has characterized the buyer group as a “blue-chip group of investors,” underscoring the caliber of entities expected to be involved in this multifaceted deal.
ByteDance, the current global owner of TikTok, is expected to retain a minority ownership in the U.S. entity. This stake is anticipated to be below the 20% threshold, in accordance with legislation that mandates divestiture or a potential ban on the platform. This arrangement suggests a carefully calibrated approach to navigate the existing regulatory landscape while allowing ByteDance to maintain some connection to its highly successful U.S. operations.
A crucial aspect of this transaction involves Oracle, a technology giant already collaborating with TikTok on data security initiatives. Oracle’s role is expected to be substantial, encompassing the auditing of TikTok’s algorithm. This algorithm will reportedly be “retrained and operated in the United States outside of ByteDance’s control,” as stated by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. Oracle’s involvement underscores the importance of data integrity and operational independence within the framework of the new ownership structure.
Larry Ellison, chairman and co-founder of Oracle, is a notable figure within this emerging ownership group. His company has been storing American TikTok user data since 2023, serving as a safeguard against potential data breaches. Ellison’s long-standing association with President Trump further contextualizes his potential influence in this evolving scenario. While Oracle has not yet provided a comment on its specific role, its existing operational ties to TikTok suggest a significant integration in the platform’s U.S. infrastructure. The precise nature of Rupert Murdoch’s involvement, given his extensive media empire, remains to be fully elucidated, but his participation adds another layer of influence to the prospective ownership structure.
Emily Carter has over eight years of experience covering global business trends. She specializes in technology startups, market innovations, and corporate strategy, turning complex developments into clear, actionable stories for our readers.