Ellison, a hardcore supporter of Israel and frequently ranked among the world’s richest individuals, is poised to lead changes at TikTok in favor of Israel.
He is building on a burgeoning media empire that includes CBS News, CNN, Warner Brothers, and Paramount. His son, David Ellison, is reportedly at the forefront of this acquisition strategy, enlisting Free Press editor Bari Weiss to guide editorial direction, Press TV reported.
According to Wired, the Ellison family is likened to historical titans, such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, as they corner the market on attention and data in a landscape dominated by tech.
Their model is expected to be tested in what President Donald Trump has dubbed “New Gaza,” a techno-dystopian free trade zone overseen by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump and Tony Blair, Ellison’s longtime ally.
Ellison has already pledged over $350 million to the Tony Blair Institute, enhancing its mission, which intertwines corporate power with tech surveillance and governance.
As Secretary of State, Rubio has been instrumental in the discussions surrounding TikTok’s US operations, following his history of denouncing the app during his Senate tenure.
The emails reveal Ellison vetted Rubio in early 2015 for his commitment to supporting Israel, with communication between Ellison and Israeli officials detailing their favorable assessment of Rubio as a potential presidential candidate.
This correspondence included discussions about Rubio’s campaign launch, with Ellison expressing confidence in Rubio’s potential as a strong ally for Israel.
In the months following, Ellison hosted fundraising events for Rubio and reportedly funneled $5 million to the Conservative Solutions super PAC supporting him.
Observers have noted the unusual nature of Ellison’s support for a candidate positioned as a conservative, speculating on potential shared interests in immigration reform pertinent to Silicon Valley.
The leaked emails are part of a larger trove released by the hacker group Handala, and obtained by the whistleblower platform Distributed Denial of Secrets. While authenticity remains unverified, the content hints at the profound connections between Ellison, Rubio, and Israeli diplomatic circles.
Ellison’s engagement comes amid a controversial environment as he aims to influence media narratives surrounding Israel, particularly through the acquisition of TikTok, where he will oversee content algorithms crucial to shaping public opinion.
This has drawn the attention of pro-Israel advocates who assert that social media significantly impacts American sentiment towards Israel.
Notably, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of harnessing social media as a strategic weapon in contemporary discourse, indicating a clear alignment with Ellison’s media ambitions.
As the Ellison family consolidates media assets and increases its influence over platforms like TikTok, the implications for US media and the narrative regarding Israel remain to be seen.
