Paramount’s David Ellison Tapped As State Of The Union Guest After Trump Wades Into Warner Bros. Battle

Forbes Business

by Sara Dorn, Forbes Staff

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Paramount’s David Ellison has been invited as a guest for the upcoming State of the Union address following former President Donald Trump’s recent wades into the Warner Bros. battle. This comes after Trump earlier this week called for Netflix to fire one of its board members, Susan Rice, who served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden. The move has sparked significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions between traditional media and streaming giants like Netflix. The decision to tap Ellison, CEO of Paramount Global, appears to be part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies to rally support within the entertainment industry. Trump’s demand for Rice’s ouster from Netflix’s board reflects his long-standing criticism of tech companies and his efforts to influence cultural narratives. This latest development underscores the intersection of politics and media, where high-profile figures are leveraging their platforms to shape public opinion. Ellison’s invitation is seen as an attempt to counterbalance the growing influence of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, which have been dominating the entertainment landscape. By aligning with voices in traditional media, Trump and his supporters aim to create a narrative that challenges the perceived liberal bias of major tech companies. This strategy not only positions Ellison as a key figure in this cultural battle but also signals a potential shift in how political figures engage with the media industry. For business readers, this situation highlights the growing importance of media influence in shaping public perception and political outcomes. The clash between traditional entertainment giants like Warner Bros. and modern streaming platforms is no longer just a business rivalry—it has become a battleground for ideological warfare. Trump’s involvement in the Warner Bros. battle and his calls to action against Netflix demonstrate how politics and media are increasingly intertwined, with significant implications for both

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026