Here’s what could happen next.
President Donald Trump is weighing in as CNN’s corporate future hangs in the balance, raising fresh questions about the direction of one of America’s most recognizable — and controversial — cable news networks.
CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which has become the target of competing acquisition efforts. Netflix recently announced a $72 billion deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, though reports indicate the offer would exclude CNN. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance is pursuing a rival takeover bid that would include the cable news network.
Speaking publicly earlier this month, President Trump expressed concern that the Netflix transaction could trigger antitrust issues due to the massive market share the combined company would control. During a December 10 business roundtable at the White House, Trump confirmed that multiple bidders remain involved.
“I think any deal should be guaranteed and certain that CNN is part of it, or sold separately,” Trump said. “The people currently running CNN have been very dishonest, and I don’t think that should be allowed to continue.”
CNN Could Be Spun Off or Sold Entirely
According to reporting from The New York Times, if CNN is left out of the Netflix deal, the network — along with other television assets — would be separated into a newly created, publicly traded company. That entity would reportedly be overseen by Warner Bros. Discovery Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels.
Under the Paramount Skydance proposal, however, CNN would remain part of the broader acquisition package.
Reuters reports that financing for Paramount’s bid includes involvement from an investment firm linked to Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law. Paramount CEO David Ellison — son of Oracle founder and Trump ally Larry Ellison — has also discussed the possibility of integrating CNN with CBS News, which Paramount already owns.
Trump’s Longstanding Battle With the Media
President Trump has openly criticized major media outlets for years, particularly CNN, which he has repeatedly accused of biased and misleading coverage. His confrontations with the press were a defining feature of both his first term and his successful 2024 campaign.
In the past two years, Trump has filed lawsuits against ABC, CBS, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. ABC and CBS parent company Paramount reached settlements, while a judge dismissed the case involving The New York Times.
Trump has also continued to push back against aggressive questioning from reporters, reinforcing his broader argument that corporate media no longer serves the public fairly or accurately.
Antitrust Concerns Draw Bipartisan Attention
The proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition has sparked bipartisan concern in Washington, with both Democrats and Republicans questioning whether further media consolidation could limit competition and reduce viewpoint diversity.
Any final deal is expected to face close scrutiny from federal regulators, particularly given the size and influence of the companies involved.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, CNN’s future remains uncertain — but the outcome could reshape the American media landscape for years to come.