Trending Now - Trump Seeks to Influence CNN Leadership Amid Merger Concerns

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

David Ellison, Republican billionaire and CEO of Paramount Skydance

Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of Oracle

Jane Fonda, actress and activist

William Baer, former antitrust chief at the U.S. Department of Justice

Kush Desai, White House spokesperson

WHAT:

Trump and Hegseth publicly support the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance for $110 billion.

CNN staffers express "dread" regarding the potential influence of the Ellison family over CNN.

Fonda protests the merger at an Oscars after-party, wearing a "Block the Merger" pin.

Fonda claims the merger could lead to job losses and higher prices, and that it may give Trump political control over CNN.

Baer criticizes Trump's interference in the merger review process, stating it undermines competition and consumer benefits.

WHERE:

Washington, D.C. (Trump's comments made before a Kennedy Center board meeting)

Los Angeles, California (Fonda's protest at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party)

WHEN:

March 16, 2026 (Trump's comments)

March 15, 2026 (Fonda's protest at the Oscars)

Late February 2026 (report on CNN staffers' concerns)

WHY:

Trump and Hegseth support the merger to potentially install allies at CNN and influence its operations.

Fonda opposes the merger due to concerns over job security, pricing, and political control.

HOW:

The Trump administration is reviewing Paramount Skydance's proposal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN.

Fonda uses public appearances and media statements to voice her opposition to the merger.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:25 UTC)

In a significant development, President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have publicly endorsed the $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, which has raised concerns among CNN staffers about potential influence from the Ellison family. Meanwhile, actress and activist Jane Fonda protested the merger at an Oscars after-party, wearing a "Block the Merger" pin and arguing that it could lead to job losses and increased prices, while also suggesting it might give Trump political control over CNN. Former antitrust chief William Baer criticized Trump's involvement in the merger review process, stating that it undermines competition and consumer benefits.