Former President Donald Trump has expressed his discontent with the ownership of Paramount, owned by David Ellison, labeling it as “no better than the old ownership.” His comments come in the wake of a controversial 60 Minutes interview featuring Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), whom Trump has recently deemed a new adversary. This criticism follows Paramount's aggressive bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a move that has captured significant media attention.
In a twist of events, on Friday, Netflix was announced as the successful bidder for WBD's studio assets, which include HBO and HBO Max. The deal will see the cable networks separated into a new entity, a strategic move that has stirred discussions in the entertainment industry about market dynamics and competition.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump voiced his dissatisfaction, stating, “The only reason Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Brown (Green turns Brown under stress!) went BAD is that she was JILTED by the President of the United States.” He further criticized Greene’s ideas, describing her as a “Rotten Apple” and claiming she does not represent the America First or MAGA movements, suggesting her rapid shift in views indicates a lack of intelligence.
Trump continued his tirade against the 60 Minutes segment, calling out correspondent Lesley Stahl for her previous coverage of his administration, particularly regarding the allegations surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop. He demanded an apology for what he termed “incorrect and libelous statements” made during the interview.
Both Paramount and Netflix have been vying for Trump's favor as they navigate their strategies for acquiring Warner Bros. Trump recently expressed his concerns about a potential Netflix takeover, citing the platform's significant market share as a possible issue. However, he praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, mentioning that he had met with him the previous week.
The acquisition agreement by Netflix does not encompass CNN, a network that has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism. In contrast, Paramount's bid does include CNN, further intensifying the rivalry between the two companies.
Historically, Paramount has had its share of legal entanglements with Trump. The previous management had settled a lawsuit with him for $16 million over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. At that time, both Skydance and Paramount were seeking regulatory approval for their merger.
Despite his recent criticism, Trump had previously praised David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, who is also a long-time ally. This complex relationship illustrates the intricate dynamics within the entertainment industry and Trump's influence on media narratives.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, recently announced her intention to resign from Congress early next year. This decision comes amid speculation that Trump might support a primary challenger against her. Greene's interview on 60 Minutes highlighted her controversial views, particularly regarding the GOP response to rising Affordable Care Act premiums and her efforts to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the interactions between political figures and media companies will remain a focal point of public interest, especially in the context of Trump's enduring influence in both realms.