Trump's Bold Stance on CNN's Future Amid Media Megadeal
Former President Donald Trump is actively inserting himself into the complex bidding war surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), with a specific demand: that CNN, the news network he has long criticized, secure new ownership. This intervention marks a significant departure from standard governmental procedures for approving such deals.
The Bidding Landscape for Warner Bros. Discovery
WBD has become the focal point of an intense acquisition battle. Streaming giant Netflix and Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison—son of prominent Trump ally Larry Ellison—are the key contenders. The structure of their respective offers carries distinct implications for the future of CNN. Under Paramount's proposal, CNN would come under the control of the Ellison family. In contrast, Netflix's deal would involve the separate sale of CNN and other cable news properties prior to its acquisition of WBD's studio and streaming operations.
Trump's Rationale and Unprecedented Intervention
During a recent meeting with business leaders at the White House, Mr. Trump articulated his strong desire, stating, "I think any deal should – it should be guaranteed and certain that CNN is part of it or sold separately." He went on to criticize CNN's current management, labeling them "a very dishonest group of people," and declared that their continued operation "should not be allowed." Significantly, Mr. Trump has indicated he would personally involve himself in the government's decision to approve the deal, eschewing the typical process where such approvals are left solely to the Department of Justice.
Implications for CNN's Ownership and Political Alignments
Mr. Trump's insistence that CNN land in "friendly hands" appears to favor the Paramount bid. Paramount has made moves that resonate with conservative media critics since David Ellison assumed leadership earlier this year. Notably, journalist Bari Weiss, a vocal critic of perceived bias in mainstream media, was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News. This appointment garnered praise from conservatives who often accuse established outlets of liberal leanings. Furthermore, the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," a late-night show known for its critical stance on Trump, occurred just days before Ellison took the reins at CBS. However, Trump himself recently criticized Paramount and Ellison on Truth Social for an interview with Marjorie Taylor Greene, posting "THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP."
Conversely, Netflix maintains close ties with Democrats, with its founder Reed Hastings being a significant donor to the Democratic Party. Both Paramount and Netflix have reportedly engaged in direct lobbying efforts at the White House and with Mr. Trump to garner support for their bids. Trump's long-standing, often hostile relationship with CNN, which he has frequently denounced as "fake news," underpins his current demands for a change in its ownership, regardless of the ultimate buyer of the wider WBD assets. This situation underscores the unprecedented intersection of political influence and corporate media acquisitions in the United States.
