Paramount CEO Plans Private Dinner Honoring Trump Ahead of Warner Bros Deal

The event is scheduled two days before the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:25am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering gold and silver sequins, capturing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood events.The private dinner honoring former President Trump reflects the high-stakes power dynamics at play as Paramount seeks to finalize a major media merger.NYC Today

Paramount CEO David Ellison is reportedly planning a private, invitation-only dinner in Washington, D.C. next week to honor former President Donald Trump and CBS News' White House correspondents. The dinner is expected to take place on April 23, just two days before the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25. The move comes as Paramount awaits regulatory approval for its $111 billion merger deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Why it matters

The private dinner honoring Trump has raised eyebrows, as Paramount is in the midst of finalizing a major merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The timing of the event, just before the high-profile White House Correspondents' dinner, has also drawn scrutiny. Some see the dinner as an attempt by Ellison to curry favor with the former president as the merger awaits approval.

The details

According to reports, the private dinner will take place at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., which is expected to be renamed the "Donald J Trump Institute of Peace" for the event. Guests reportedly include conservative commentator Pete Hegseth and former Trump advisor Stephen Miller. Magician Oz Pearlman will host the evening's program.

  • The private dinner is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
  • The annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner is scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The players

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount, who is planning the private dinner honoring former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who will be honored at the private dinner hosted by Paramount CEO David Ellison.

Warner Bros. Discovery

The media company that Paramount is in the process of acquiring in a $111 billion merger deal.

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What’s next

Paramount's $111 billion merger deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is still awaiting regulatory approval and a shareholder vote, which is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The private dinner honoring former President Trump raises questions about the motivations behind Paramount's actions as it seeks to finalize a major media merger. The timing and guest list of the event have drawn criticism, with concerns that Ellison may be attempting to curry favor with Trump as the deal awaits approval.