Trump Attends Private Dinner Hosted by David Ellison After Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Vote

Trump Joins David Ellison’s Private Dinner in D.C. After Merger Approval

Former President Donald Trump attended a private dinner hosted by David Ellison in Washington, D.C., on Thursday evening, mere hours after Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shareholders approved the $11 billion merger with Paramount Skydance.

The president’s official schedule listed a “private dinner” at 7:15 p.m., described as a “closed” event with no press access. While no further details were disclosed, multiple media outlets confirmed the gathering was Ellison’s invitation-only dinner.

Dinner Held at Renamed Trump Institute of Peace

Reports indicated the dinner took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, a facility renamed by the State Department last year. The event was reportedly intended to honor Trump and CBS News’ White House reporters.

Trump’s attendance followed a critical milestone for the Paramount-WBD merger, which overcame a major hurdle with shareholder approval. However, the deal remains subject to federal regulatory review, with state attorneys general considering legal challenges.

Merger Timeline and Financial Safeguards

Paramount and WBD expect the merger to close by the third quarter. If the transaction is delayed past September 30, WBD shareholders will receive a 25-cent per share “ticking fee” for each quarter until closing. In the event regulatory issues prevent completion, Paramount must pay WBD a $7 billion termination fee.

In a statement following the vote, Paramount emphasized the merger’s progress:

“Shareholder approval marks another important milestone towards completing our acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, building on our successful equity and debt syndications and progress across regulatory approvals. We look forward to closing the transaction in the coming months and realizing the creation of a next-generation media and entertainment company that better serves both the creative community and consumers.”

Opposition to the Merger Grows

Despite the approval, critics—including Hollywood figures, industry professionals, and policymakers—have raised concerns over potential antitrust violations, job losses, and threats to free speech. Following the shareholder vote, a coalition of advocacy groups issued a joint statement demanding the merger be halted:

“A-list stars, professionals from every corner of the film and entertainment industry, elected officials and concerned citizens have made their voices heard: the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger must be stopped. And it can be.”

If finalized, the merger would place David Ellison, owner of CBS News, in charge of CNN—a network frequently criticized by Trump.

Key Details of the Paramount-WBD Merger

• Deal Value: $11 billion
• Shareholder Approval Date: Thursday
• Expected Closing: Third quarter
• Ticking Fee (if delayed past Sept. 30): 25 cents per share per quarter
• Termination Fee (if regulatory issues arise): $7 billion