Trump Pushes for CNN Sale as Warner Bros. Discovery Deal Talks Intensify

President Trump said on Wednesday that CNN must be sold. He spoke at the White House and tied the issue to the pending Warner Bros. Discovery deal. His comments came as Netflix and other bidders try to buy major parts of the company. The remarks added new pressure to a deal already under heavy review.

According to Reuters and other major outlets, Trump has repeated this view in private. He has told allies that CNN needs new owners or new leaders. His stance now hangs over all talks involving Warner Bros. Discovery.

Trump’s Demand Puts CNN at the Center of the Warner Bros. Deal

The Netflix plan would buy Warner’s studios and HBO Max for $72 billion. It would not include the TV networks that hold CNN. Warner leaders want to spin those networks into a new public company called Discovery Global. They see CNN as a key part of that plan, even as ratings fall.

CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson recently told staff the Netflix deal would help CNN push its digital strategy forward. But soon after, David Ellison launched a $77.9 billion hostile bid for all of Warner Discovery. His bid includes CNN. Paramount, Netflix, and Warner have declined to comment on Trump’s remarks.

A stand‑alone sale of CNN could carry heavy tax costs. Warner designed the planned split to avoid those taxes. Any change could delay the deal or change its value. Analysts say the regulatory process will already be long. Former officials told AP that presidential interest can slow or speed reviews.

How Trump’s Pressure Could Shape Media Power

Trump has signaled he is open to deals that remove CNN from Warner. People close to him say he wants leaders who he sees as more friendly to him and his party. He has warmed to Netflix Co‑CEO Ted Sarandos. He already has strong ties to the Ellison family. Both sides have made their case to his team.

Trump has also complained about content on Netflix and other platforms. This includes a film about a transgender coal miner, according to AP. Some advisers say this has fueled concerns about Netflix gaining more market share.

Experts told BBC that this fight affects more than corporate control. It may shape what Americans see on screen. It may also shape how news outlets cover the White House. Trump has targeted CNN reporters for years and has also criticized CBS News. These tensions now affect how media deals unfold.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why does Trump want CNN sold?

He says CNN needs new ownership or new leaders. He links this to fairness in coverage. His comments now affect the Warner Bros. deal process.

Q2: What is Netflix trying to buy?

Netflix wants Warner’s studios and HBO Max. It does not plan to buy CNN or the other cable networks. Those networks would move into a new company.

Q3: Who else is bidding?

David Ellison has made a larger offer for all of Warner Discovery. His bid includes CNN and the cable group. His family has ties to Trump.

Q4: How could this impact CNN?

CNN could be sold, spun off, or kept under new leadership. The outcome depends on who wins the bid. It also depends on regulators and tax issues.

Q5: Why does the White House matter here?

Regulators must review all large media deals. Presidential interest can affect the pace of review. Experts say this is common in major mergers.

The push for a CNN sale now shapes every bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The main keyword “CNN sale” will stay central as the deal moves forward.