Democrats Demand Answers From Ellison About Trump, Paramount-WBD Bid

Variety

by Todd Spangler

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Democratic U.S. senators have sent a letter to Paramount Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison, urging him to preserve records related to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) takeover and provide clarity on his company's interactions with President Trump and the White House during the hostile bid for WBD. The senators, including Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, and Peter Welch, accuse Ellison of evading questions about potential political interference in the merger process. They highlight concerns over whether Ellison or his company has donated to Trump or engaged in discussions with him regarding personal benefits tied to the proposed merger. The senators' letter comes amid Paramount's certification of substantial compliance with the Department of Justice’s December 2025 Second Request for Information, which Ellison claims will allow the acquisition to proceed smoothly without competition concerns. However, the lawmakers argue that this deal raises significant competitive issues and deserves closer scrutiny. They also reference Trump’s allegations of a "side deal" with Skydance, under which the merged entity would provide $20 million in advertising and public service announcements promoting Trump's favored causes. Ellison has neither confirmed nor denied these claims, further fueling concerns about potential political influence over media mergers. The senators’ demands highlight broader worries about the intersection of entertainment industry mergers and political influence. Ellison previously declined an invitation to testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee subcommittee on antitrust and competition policy, despite requests from Sen. Booker for insights into the proposed sale and Paramount’s bid. The letter underscores the ongoing tension between media consolidation and public trust in antitrust reviews, particularly when high-profile figures like Trump are involved. This scrutiny could have significant implications for the future of entertainment mergers and the perception of impartiality in media ownership. For readers interested in entertainment industry dynamics, this situation sheds light on how political factors can influence major business transactions and regulatory decisions. The senators’ actions raise questions about whether Ellison’s ties to Trump or his administration could impact the outcome of the Paramount-WBD deal, potentially shaping the direction of one of Hollywood’s largest media giants. As the merger process continues, the focus will be on whether Ellison provides satisfactory answers and how regulators respond to these concerns.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026