President Trump is telling people close to him that he wants CNN under new ownership, along with significant changes to the network’s news coverage. The reported conversations, detailed by The Wall Street Journal, come as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), CNN’s parent company, faces a high-stakes bidding war that could reshape some of America’s biggest media empires.
Two Competing Bids
Reporting from The Wall Street Journal’s Natalie Andrews says Trump’s interest in CNN’s future overlaps with a rare bidding showdown between two major players:
- Netflix, proposing a $72 billion acquisition of WBD’s studios and HBO properties.
- Paramount Skydance, offering a $108.4 billion all-cash hostile bid, backed by sovereign wealth funds and Jared Kushner. (This structure is aimed at reducing potential regulatory roadblocks.)
If the Paramount bid succeeds, it would bring WBD’s cable and news properties — including CNN — under new leadership.
Paramount’s Pitch to Trump Allies
Behind closed doors, Paramount CEO David Ellison has discussed broad changes to CNN. Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, is a longtime Trump ally, has reportedly leaned on Kushner as he seeks approval for the takeover.
Media outlets have also reported that White House officials have shown openness toward Paramount’s bid. According to TV Insider, officials in the president’s orbit have even floated staffing shake-ups at CNN, including the firing of anchors Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar.
Administration officials, including the president, have raised concerns about antitrust risks tied to the Netflix-WBD proposal. Those concerns could factor heavily into how regulators evaluate the competing offers.
Trump’s interest goes beyond general commentary. People familiar with the matter say he has requested regular updates on how potential antitrust reviews might unfold. That level of attention gives him influence over the broader environment in which the bidders are operating.
Meanwhile, Ellison has reportedly worked to reassure Trump and his advisers as he seeks to build support for Paramount’s hostile offer.
What Comes Next
Both bids rest not only on financing but also on how regulators evaluate the competitive effects of a reshaped media landscape. And with the White House signaling potential concerns — and Trump tracking each development — the final decision may come from Washington more than anywhere else.
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Who will run CNN?? Same MO or New blood