David Ellison Addresses Trump Meeting During CNN Ownership Shift
WHO:
Deadline - David Ellison is the CEO of Skydance.
Boston.com News - The billionaire family of David Ellison has a close relationship with President Trump.
WHAT:
Deadline - David Ellison stated, "For absolute clarity, we have not talked to any political leader of any party about news, other than to say that..." during his defense of the meeting with Trump.
NY Post - David Ellison reassured Anderson Cooper regarding CNN's independence, stating, "We will never interfere."
NY Post - Ellison emphasized the importance of "truth-based fact-based bi-partisan news that informs the public."
Deadline - David Ellison defended his meeting with Trump amid Paramount's merger review with Warner Bros Discovery.
Deadline - Ellison stated that he did not discuss news with any political leader, including Trump.
WHERE:
Boston.com News - The context involves CNN, which is now under the ownership of Skydance.
WHY:
Boston.com News - President Trump has been vocal about his criticism of coverage from CNN and CBS that he considers unfavorable.
Boston.com News - President Trump has criticized coverage from CNN and CBS that he considers unfavorable.
HOW:
Deadline - Ellison addressed concerns regarding his discussions with Trump during a merger review process.
(UPDATED October 7, 2026 10:07 UTC)
David Ellison emphasized that there has been no discussion with any political leader from any party regarding news, except to clarify certain points, during his defense of a meeting with Trump. This statement comes as President Trump has been openly critical of the coverage he receives from CNN and CBS, which he deems unfavorable. Ellison's comments aim to address concerns surrounding the nature of their communications.
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(UPDATED October 7, 2026 03:11 UTC)
David Ellison has reassured Anderson Cooper that CNN's independence will remain intact, stating, "We will never interfere." He emphasized the importance of delivering "truth-based, fact-based, bi-partisan news that informs the public." This commitment reflects CNN's ongoing dedication to journalistic integrity.
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(UPDATED October 7, 2026 02:18 UTC)
David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance, defended his meeting with Trump amid the ongoing merger review between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery, stating he did not discuss news with any political leader, including Trump. This context arises as CNN, now under Skydance's ownership, has faced criticism from Trump for its coverage, which he deems unfavorable. Ellison addressed these concerns during the merger review process, emphasizing the nature of his discussions.