Trump urges any Warner Bros. sale to include CNN or sell the network separately

TLDRs;

•  Trump insists CNN must be included or sold separately, raising potential regulatory hurdles for Warner Bros. deal.
• Trump signals he may influence the regulatory review, increasing complexity for Netflix and Warner Bros. deal.
• CNN’s ownership is unsettled, presenting opportunities for technology vendors and streaming platform improvements
• Paramount Skydance and Netflix bids differ, leaving CNN’s inclusion as a key differentiator in the sale.
• Trump’s CNN demand could influence regulatory reviews, deal timelines, and technology vendor opportunities

US President Donald Trump has added a new twist to the ongoing Warner Bros. Discovery sale by insisting that the news network CNN should either be included in any transaction or sold separately.

Trump made the remarks during a White House meeting with business leaders on December 10, expressing concern about CNN’s current management remaining in place if the network is spun off independently.

This intervention comes amid Netflix’s high-profile $82.7 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max, which excludes linear cable channels like CNN.

Meanwhile, a competing offer from Paramount Skydance, led by chairman and CEO David Ellison, includes CNN and reportedly promises sweeping changes at the network if the deal succeeds.

Trump raises regulatory concerns

Trump indicated he may play a role in the regulatory review of the Warner Bros. sale, though he has not yet made a formal decision. His comments introduce additional uncertainty into the approval process, which is typically overseen by the Department of Justice.

If regulators link approval to CNN’s ownership, Netflix may need to renegotiate terms with Warner Bros., assist in selling CNN, or accept significant delays.

The potential for such delays could stretch the deal’s timeline from 12 to 18 months, putting the $5.8 billion breakup fee at risk if the transaction fails. These developments highlight the increasing scrutiny faced by large media mergers and the influence of political figures on corporate transactions.

CNN’s uncertain future

CNN’s digital footprint has grown since launching its All Access subscription in October 2025, offering live video, on-demand programming, and exclusive content for $6.99 per month. A new owner could reshape the network’s streaming platforms, payment systems, and advertising technology, following the rapid shutdown of CNN+ in 2022.

The network’s ongoing reorganization and digital expansion present opportunities for cloud and content delivery network providers. These vendors could benefit from integrating with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service, especially as subscriber-only content continues to expand.

Additionally, investment in newsroom infrastructure may drive demand for identity management, localization, and content management systems.

Competing bids add complexit

While Netflix focuses on acquiring Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max, Paramount Skydance’s bid distinguishes itself by including linear cable networks such as CNN.

Ellison’s assurances of management changes at CNN have reportedly drawn Trump’s attention and could sway regulatory evaluations. Trump has met with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos but has not endorsed either bid publicly.

The competition between the two bidders emphasizes CNN’s strategic and symbolic value, suggesting that any sale may hinge on how the network is treated. Analysts say Trump’s insistence on CNN’s inclusion could trigger negotiations, concessions, or extended approval timelines, potentially reshaping the media landscape.

Implications for the media and tech industry

Trump’s intervention adds an unexpected political dimension to a transaction already complicated by corporate strategy and competition. If his demands are taken into account, both Netflix and Paramount Skydance may need to adjust their bids, extend deal timelines, or engage in additional negotiations.

At the same time, technology vendors and streaming service providers stand to gain from any potential reorganization at CNN, highlighting the interconnected nature of media ownership and digital innovation.

The post Trump urges any Warner Bros. sale to include CNN or sell the network separately appeared first on CoinCentral.