Trump says Warner Bros deal should include CNN

US President Donald Trump said any potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery should include the news network CNN, either as part of the deal or sold separately.

Trump made the comments during a meeting with business leaders at the White House on December 10.

He expressed concerns about current CNN management remaining in place if the network is left out of the deal.

Netflix is bidding to acquire Warner Bros. studio and HBO Max, with linear cable channels including CNN being spun off.

David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance, has made a competing offer that would include the cable networks, and The Wall Street Journal reported he promised Trump sweeping changes at CNN if successful.

Trump has met with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, but has not publicly endorsed either bid.

He said he may be involved in the regulatory review of the sale, but has not made a decision yet.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Trump’s CNN demand adds new regulatory risk to Netflix’s deal

Netflix’s $82.7 billion deal leaves out linear networks like CNN (traditional cable channels) and targets Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max after Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) spins off assets 1.
The president said he may take part in the review 2, and Trump wants CNN included or sold on its own 2. The Department of Justice runs merger reviews 3 while reported assurances from Paramount Skydance’s David Ellison about changes at CNN if his bid wins 2 raise pressure that could slow approval or force concessions.
If regulators tie approval to CNN’s ownership, Netflix must rework terms with WBD, help sell CNN, or accept delays. Any route could extend the 12–18 month timeline 3 and put the $5.8 billion breakup fee structure (a penalty if the deal falls through) at risk 3.

CNN’s unsettled ownership opens tech vendor windows

CNN launched its All Access streaming subscription in October 2025 at $6.99 per month 4 with live video, on-demand programming, and exclusive content. A new owner would revisit streaming platforms, payment systems, plus advertising technology after CNN+ shut down within a month in 2022 5.
Cloud and Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers can benefit from 24/7 feeds on Max (WBD’s streaming service) 6 and rising subscriber-only video on All Access 4. The newsroom reorganization and digital investment 5 signal buys for identity management, localization, and content management systems.