President Trump has now placed himself squarely in the center of the escalating battle for Warner Bros., telling business leaders at the White House that any acquisition of the company must include a change in ownership at CNN. His remarks introduce a significant new political variable into the ongoing bidding war between Netflix and Paramount Skydance.
In comments first reported by Bloomberg, President Trump said he would not support a Warner Bros. deal that allows the current management of CNN to continue operating. His language was blunt, a reflection of long-standing grievances with the network.
“I think any deal should — it should be guaranteed and certain that CNN is part of it or sold separately,” Trump said.
Source Photo Credit: CNN; YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
He continued by criticizing the current leadership at CNN, saying: “I don’t think the people that are running that company right now and running CNN, which is a very dishonest group of people, I don’t think that should be allowed to continue.”
Trump then added: “I think CNN should be sold along with everything else.”
The president’s comments come as Warner Bros. Discovery faces two competing takeover attempts, each with dramatically different implications for CNN and WBD’s cable assets.
Netflix Wants to Buy Warner Bros. Without CNN
Netflix has already reached an agreement to purchase Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, along with HBO, in a transaction valued at $27.75 per share. Under this proposal, Warner Bros. would spin off its cable networks—including CNN—before the deal closes. WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels has been selected to lead the cable spinoff, expected to be completed in the third quarter of next year.
A graphic showing the Netflix and Warner Bros. Logos – Netflix
That plan would effectively keep CNN intact under current management, precisely the scenario Trump criticized.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has personally met with President Trump regarding the proposed acquisition, but the president has not publicly endorsed the Netflix deal over its rival.
Paramount Skydance’s Bid Includes CNN—and a Different Promise
Paramount Skydance has countered with a more sweeping proposal: $30 per share in cash for all of Warner Bros., including CNN and the entire cable portfolio.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison privately assured Trump he would implement sweeping changes at CNN if Paramount gained control.
David Ellison in an interview with Bloomberg – YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
This offer appears more closely aligned with what President Trump outlined Wednesday.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has also been involved in helping assemble financing for the Paramount Skydance offer, raising further questions about how closely the administration may scrutinize both deals.
Trump Signals Possible Role in Regulatory Review
For now, Trump is not formally endorsing one bid over the other. But he left little doubt that he intends to have a say if the merger comes before federal regulators.
U.S. President Donald Trump sits for an interview with ABC News – YouTube, ABC News
“I will be probably involved, maybe involved in the decision. It depends,” he said. “You have some good companies bidding on it.”
The message to Warner Bros. shareholders is unmistakable: the deal’s treatment of CNN could be decisive.
A Deal Complicated by Politics and Legacy Grievances
The battle for Warner Bros. was already the most significant media acquisition fight in decades. But with the president stepping in—specifically targeting CNN’s leadership—the political dynamics have become inseparable from the financial ones.
A CNN Report on President Trump – YouTube, CNN
Netflix’s bid offers a clean corporate path but leaves CNN untouched. Paramount’s bid offers more money, includes CNN, and reportedly promises to reshape the network. Shareholders now must weigh financial incentives, competitive positioning, and the reality that the president has placed a spotlight directly on the future of CNN.
Trump, CNN, and the Warner Bros. sale is now a defining triangle in one of the biggest media stories of the decade.
Do you think Trump would approve a Warner Bros. sale that doesn’t include CNN? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
