Senators Demand Answers on Alleged Trump ‘Side Deal’ in Paramount-Skydance Acquisition
Senators Demand Answers on Alleged Trump ‘Side Deal’ in Paramount-Skydance Acquisition
A trio of prominent Democratic senators—Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden—have launched a formal inquiry into the impending acquisition of Paramount, parent company of CBS, by David Ellison’s Skydance Media. In a letter sent Monday, the lawmakers pressed Ellison for details on a potential ‘secret side deal’ with Donald Trump, raising concerns over possible violations of bribery laws and any influence on the decision to cancel the late-night show hosted by Trump critic Stephen Colbert.
The senators’ scrutiny was partly fueled by Trump’s own assertions that a recent $16 million settlement he received from Paramount—to drop a lawsuit concerning the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris—was worth double that amount. This has prompted questions about a potential quid-pro-quo arrangement tied to federal approval of the Skydance-Paramount transaction.
The letter, which demands a response by August 4, includes pointed questions for Ellison. Senators are seeking to ascertain whether Skydance or Ellison personally has any arrangement to provide compensation, advertising, or promotional activities that would benefit President Trump, his family, or his presidential library. They also inquire about direct discussions with Trump or his associates regarding the transaction, and whether there was any agreement to alter CBS or Paramount content at the Trump administration’s behest to facilitate the deal’s approval. Furthermore, they specifically ask about involvement in discussions regarding the cancellation of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’
Adding to the intrigue, recent reports suggest Ellison has been exploring a role for conservative journalist Bari Weiss in a potential remake of CBS News, further fueling concerns about political influence in the media landscape.
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