Trump Backs Paramount-Skydance Merger
- President Donald Trump voiced his support Wednesday for David Ellison's proposed $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global.
- Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed optimism about the deal.
- The legal action stems from a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris last fall. Trump alleges the broadcast was edited to unfairly boost Harris's image before...
Donald Trump throws his weight behind David Ellison‘s $8 billion Paramount Global takeover, a significant move that could reshape the media landscape. The endorsement comes amid Trump’s ongoing $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, adding a layer of intrigue as the Federal Communications Commission reviews the Paramount-Skydance deal. News Directory 3 reports on this developing story, detailing the former president’s optimism about the merger and his criticisms related to a “60 Minutes” interview. While settlement talks are reportedly underway, Trump’s stance influences the deal’s future. Considering the FCC’s role in transferring crucial licenses, and the possible impact of the CBS lawsuit, this takeover faces unique challenges. Discover what’s next in this high-stakes corporate drama.
Trump Endorses Ellison’s Paramount Takeover Amid CBS Lawsuit
Updated June 18, 2025
President Donald Trump voiced his support Wednesday for David Ellison’s proposed $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global. The endorsement arrives as the Federal Communications Commission reviews the Paramount-Skydance deal. The merger faces complications from Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, a Paramount subsidiary.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed optimism about the deal. His remarks came as the Senate approved Olivia Trusty, his second Republican appointee to the FCC.
The legal action stems from a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris last fall. Trump alleges the broadcast was edited to unfairly boost Harris’s image before the November election. CBS maintains the edits were routine and accurately reflected harris’s statements.
Despite First Amendment concerns raised by legal experts, paramount is reportedly seeking a settlement to expedite the Skydance merger. The deal requires FCC approval to transfer 29 CBS television station licenses from the Redstone family to Ellison.
Trump acknowledged settlement talks were underway, noting the recent departures of two high-level CBS executives amid the ongoing review.
“Ellison is great. He’ll do a great job with it,” Trump said.
Trump also reiterated his criticism of the harris interview, calling her responses “election-threatening” and ”incompetent.”
Earlier this month, Ellison and Trump spoke briefly at a UFC event in New Jersey, marking their second meeting at a UFC match this year. Skydance has not commented on the interactions.
Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, and other directors approved the Skydance deal nearly a year ago. The agreement involves Skydance acquiring National Amusements Inc., the Redstone family’s investment vehicle. Skydance, based in santa Monica, plans to integrate its operations into paramount, encompassing the Paramount film studio, Paramount+ streaming service, CBS, and cable channels like Comedy Central and BET.
What’s next
The FCC’s decision on the license transfer remains the final regulatory hurdle for the Paramount Global takeover. The resolution of Trump’s lawsuit against CBS could also influence the deal’s timeline.