Trump Demands CNN Sale—Chaos Ensues

President Trump’s unyielding pressure on CNN’s ownership could deliver the network into conservative hands, ending years of biased attacks on American patriots.

Story Highlights

Netflix withdraws bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), clearing path for David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance to potentially take over CNN.
Ellison plans to shift CNN’s editorial stance toward conservatism, mirroring successful changes at CBS News.
Jake Tapper delivers the news live on air, admitting it affects everyone in the studio amid fears of a “MAGA-aligned” owner.
President Trump demands CNN’s sale, calling out its dishonest leadership after years of labeling him “fake news.”
WBD resists but faces shareholder vote; outcome could restore balance to mainstream media.

Tapper Breaks Potentially Fateful News Live

On his show The Lead, CNN anchor Jake Tapper reported Netflix’s withdrawal from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. This move paves the way for David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance group to pursue a hostile takeover. Tapper told viewers the development “affects everybody I’m looking at in the studio,” highlighting Ellison’s intent to retool CNN’s editorial stance and lineup toward conservatism, just like recent CBS News adjustments. WBD had favored Netflix’s bid, which excluded linear networks like CNN.

'Breaking News… That Affects Everybody I'm Looking At in the Studio': Jake Tapper Tells Viewers CNN May Be on Verge of Takeover by David Ellison https://t.co/g6KYpvEsC5

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 27, 2026

Trump’s Long-Standing Push Against CNN Bias

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded CNN’s sale, labeling the network “fake news” since his first term and now vowing personal oversight through the Justice Department. Trump criticizes CNN’s leadership as “corrupt or incompetent,” refusing to fund what he calls “poison.” His influence aligns with Ellison’s ties—David is son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally. This pressure escalated during the bidding war, favoring Paramount’s offer that includes CNN.

Key Players and Bidding War Dynamics

David Ellison leads Paramount Skydance’s bid after securing regulatory approval for their Paramount merger by pledging conservative-friendly changes at CBS News. WBD prefers spinning off CNN to the debt-heavy Discovery Global while selling film assets like HBO to Netflix. Netflix targeted studios but avoided news liabilities, withdrawing Thursday after WBD’s initial acceptance. Anchors like Tapper and Kaitlan Collins defend editorial independence, calling Trump’s role “unprecedented” and “astounding.”

CNN faces cord-cutting losses and debt from its 2022 WarnerMedia-Discovery merger. CEO Mark Thompson pushes streaming subscriptions at $6.99 monthly with a CNN.com paywall. Shareholder votes and regulators now decide if Paramount gains control, potentially ending left-leaning dominance that frustrated conservatives for years.

Implications for Media Balance and CNN’s Future

Short-term, CNN talent like Tapper risks jobs under Ellison’s overhaul. Long-term, a conservative shift could attract broader audiences, countering CNN’s left-leaning base—only 20% Republican per Pew data. Experts note dual threats: Paramount’s “tilt to the right” or an underfunded Discovery Global spin-off stifling growth amid cable decline. This accelerates industry unbundling, with streaming giants dodging news risks.

Conservatives see victory in curbing media bias that undermined Trump and traditional values. President Trump’s sway sets precedent for accountability, ensuring outlets serve all Americans rather than globalist or woke agendas. No final deal yet; updates pending shareholder and regulatory actions.