The US-TikTok Saga: Michael Dell and Larry Ellison Enter the Picture

In a dramatic turn of events that could shake up the tech and social media landscape, former US President Donald Trump has named two industry titans—Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, and Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle—as key players in a developing deal involving TikTok. This announcement, made on September 22, 2025, is an intriguing chapter in what has been a long, contentious saga surrounding ByteDance’s popular short-form video app and its operations in the United States. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the situation and what it could mean for the tech world, businesses, and American users of TikTok.

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Understanding the Context: The TikTok Controversy

To appreciate the gravity of this announcement, it’s essential to understand how we got here. TikTok, a social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been under a regulatory microscope since 2019 due to concerns over national security and data privacy. The US government has repeatedly expressed fears that the app could collect sensitive user data and share it with the Chinese government, an accusation ByteDance has consistently denied.

During Trump’s presidency (2016–2020), his administration proposed banning TikTok unless its US operations were sold to an American company. Although the issue faded under subsequent political leadership, it resurfaced in recent years as regulators continued to scrutinize Chinese-owned tech companies operating in the US. Trump’s reemergence as a vocal figure in this debate underscores his commitment to reshaping the future of foreign business dealings in the country.

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Dell and Ellison: Heavy Hitters Step In

Adding Michael Dell and Larry Ellison to the TikTok conversation is a substantial development. These two figures are among the most influential minds in the tech sector.

• Michael Dell is a pioneer in personal computing and the founder and chairman of Dell Technologies, one of the largest global players in hardware and IT services. Known for his strategic thinking and acquisition-driven growth approach, Dell’s involvement signals that substantial technical infrastructure or systems integration may be part of this TikTok deal.

• Larry Ellison is a legendary figure in enterprise software as the co-founder and executive chairman of Oracle. His recent years have been marked by outspoken support for former President Trump and a willingness to take Oracle into unconventional territories, as evidenced by Oracle’s previous bid to serve as TikTok’s trusted technology provider in 2020. Ellison’s participation hints at continuity in Oracle’s ambitions to play a big role in regulating and managing TikTok’s data infrastructure in the US.

Both individuals bring expertise, resources, and connections that could streamline negotiations and shape the deal into something more palatable for US regulators.

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What We Know About the Deal

While details of this specific arrangement remain scarce, here’s what has been inferred from Trump’s statements and prior reports:

• US Oversight: A central tenet of the deal is likely to be US control over TikTok’s infrastructure and data management. This is consistent with previous requirements proposed by regulators to ensure that any data collected from American users stays out of foreign hands.

• Collaboration and Investment: Trump’s mention of Dell and Ellison may imply that American companies will either acquire partial ownership of TikTok or invest in its localized operations to make them compliant with US security standards.

• Compliance with Legal Demands: Addressing national security concerns will remain a priority, which could mean that TikTok’s algorithms, data, and storage systems are hosted and controlled exclusively on American soil.

• The Role of Oracle and Dell Technologies: Oracle could take charge of cloud hosting and analytics, while Dell Technologies might oversee hardware or infrastructure upgrades. Combined, this partnership would cover both critical software and hardware elements of TikTok’s framework.

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Implications of the Deal

The potential entry of two corporate behemoths into the TikTok saga could have far-reaching effects:

• For TikTok Users: If the deal ensures continuity of TikTok’s operations in the US, its over 150 million American users will likely keep enjoying the platform without disruptions. However, changes in data or content moderation policies might alter how the app feels over time.

• For the Tech Industry: This deal could establish a new precedent for how foreign apps adapt to US regulations. Companies with ties to foreign governments may face stricter rules or increased scrutiny, potentially reshaping the broader tech landscape.

• For US-China Relations: Efforts to forcefully regulate TikTok further strain the already tense dynamic between the US and China over tech dominance and trade policies.

• For Dell and Oracle: Their involvement solidifies the trend of traditional enterprise-focused companies getting deeply involved in consumer-facing platforms as a means of adapting to the diversification of the tech landscape.

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Challenges and Potential Roadblocks

While Michael Dell and Larry Ellison’s involvement brings credibility to the negotiation table, several challenges remain:

• Regulatory Hurdles: A deal of this scale is almost certain to require approval from bodies like the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Securing such approvals could delay its finalization.

• ByteDance’s Cooperation: ByteDance may resist relinquishing control of its prized algorithm or accepting terms that could weaken its competitive advantage in the global market.

• Consumer Pushback: American TikTok users, especially younger demographics, could oppose any changes to the platform’s user experience or content policies.

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A Strategic Move or Pure Politics?

The timing of Trump’s announcement has raised some eyebrows. Critics argue that reviving the TikTok saga is more of a political maneuver than a substantive regulatory effort. Trump has consistently framed himself as a staunch advocate of America First policies—especially in technology—as part of his broader platform.

Nevertheless, involving business leaders like Dell and Ellison in this effort may deflect such criticisms by signaling a focus on actionable solutions rather than political theater.

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Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The news of Michael Dell and Larry Ellison’s potential involvement in a US-TikTok deal is a fascinating development in a years-long saga that blends technology, politics, and global business dynamics. Here’s what we can take away:

• TikTok remains a focal point in the broader debate about data security, foreign tech influence, and US regulatory standards.

• Powerful business figures like Michael Dell and Larry Ellison bring both expertise and credibility to the negotiation table, signaling progress.

• The deal’s outcome could have long-term implications for the tech industry, consumers, and international relationships.

This chapter in TikTok’s journey is far from closed. With these new players and heightened regulatory focus, all parties involved must carefully navigate a maze of political, legal, and operational challenges. Whether or not this deal ensures a win-win scenario for the US, the tech industry, and TikTok’s users will depend on the delicate balance struck in the weeks and months ahead. One thing is certain: as the social media app’s fate hangs in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.