Trump applauds Paramount-Warner Bros merger, calls Ellisons 'terrific'
Donald Trump offered his enthusiastic endorsement of the newly formed Skydance Corp. following the closure of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger earlier Tuesday. According to Variety, the former president, speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, said, "I'm happy about that. That's great."
Trump, who is reportedly friendly with Skydance's David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, praised the deal further. "It's gonna be a great company. They're terrific people, and it's gonna be a great company," he said. "That's a great merger. I'm glad they let it go."
The merger, which cleared its final hurdle after Paramount settled an antitrust lawsuit with a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general, was approved by the Justice Department in June. As part of the settlement, the combined company will be monitored by a news editorial independence board.
David Ellison has publicly defended his intentions regarding CNN, which had been a source of concern for some critics. In a recent company town hall, Ellison reportedly told employees he "believes deeply in journalism" and called CBS News and CNN "a vital part of our democracy." He is also supporting a lawsuit CNN has filed against the White House.
A Paramount shareholder lawsuit, as reported by Variety, alleges the Ellisons made an illegal deal with Trump to secure government approval for the takeover, promising to settle his legal claims against CNN and fire anchors he dislikes. A Paramount spokesperson previously stated the suit recycles allegations that have been addressed.
