Paramount CEO Faces Scrutiny Over Potential CNN Acquisition

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly criticized CNN during a Pentagon press briefing, calling for Paramount CEO David Ellison to quickly acquire the network. This comes as Ellison is poised to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, in a $111 billion deal. Hegseth dismissed a recent CNN report on Iran as 'patently ridiculous,' raising concerns about the future editorial independence of the network under Ellison's ownership.

Why it matters

Hegseth's public rebuke of CNN reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration's criticism of media outlets perceived as critical. The potential acquisition of CNN by Paramount Skydance raises significant questions about media consolidation and the influence of politically aligned owners, especially with the upcoming U.S. Midterm elections.

The details

Hegseth took issue with a CNN report that suggested the Trump administration underestimated Iran's willingness to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He dismissed the report as 'patently ridiculous' and 'fundamentally unserious,' stating, 'The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Hegseth's sentiments, labeling the CNN article 'garbage' and accusing the media of working to discredit President Trump and the U.S. Military. Ellison has attempted to assuage fears regarding CNN's future, stating that editorial independence 'will be maintained' at both CNN and CBS News. However, these assurances come after Ellison installed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief at CBS News, a move that has been met with both praise and criticism for potentially reshaping the network's coverage.

• On March 14, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly criticized CNN during a Pentagon press briefing.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, and the potential changes to CNN's editorial leadership and coverage, will continue to be closely watched in the lead-up to the U.S. Midterm elections.