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Trump Throws Curveball at Netflix Deal: ‘CNN Must Be Part of the Sale’

By  |  December 10, 2025

President Donald Trump signaled fresh concerns about a potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., suggesting he would oppose any deal that did not include the news network CNN or ensure it is sold to another owner. The remarks, delivered during a meeting with business leaders at the White House, introduce new uncertainty for a bid from Netflix Inc., according to Bloomberg.

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    “I think any deal should — it should be guaranteed and certain that CNN is part of it or sold separately,” Trump said. He went on to criticize the network’s current leadership, adding: “I don’t think the people that are running that company right now and running CNN, which is a very dishonest group of people, I don’t think that should be allowed to continue. I think CNN should be sold along with everything else.” Trump also warned that the existing management could be improperly rewarded if allowed to remain in place “with money” from a transaction.

    Hollywood and Washington insiders have been watching closely as Trump’s comments create an unpredictable political backdrop for the negotiations, per Bloomberg. The proposed Netflix deal would give the streaming giant control of the Warner Bros. studio and HBO Max, while CNN and other linear cable assets would be spun off.

    Related: Trump Blasts EU’s $3.45 Billion Google Fine, Floats Retaliatory Measures

    A competing offer from Paramount Skydance Corp. chairman and CEO David Ellison — whose father, Larry Ellison, is a prominent Trump supporter — would keep the cable networks together. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ellison promised Trump significant changes at CNN if he ended up gaining control of its parent company. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, has also played a role in helping line up financing for Ellison’s bid.

    Despite those ties, Trump has not publicly taken sides. He has also met with Netflix co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos to discuss the deal, according to Bloomberg. During Wednesday’s meeting, Trump declined to address Kushner’s involvement but suggested he may eventually offer input during any regulatory review, leaving both bidders navigating a politically sensitive landscape as the process moves forward.

    Source: Bloomberg