Story perspectives

Trump Dinner Deemed “Corruption Gala” Amid $110 B Media Merger Protest

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

David Ellison hosted a private dinner honoring U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.
Progressive organizations called it a “corruption gala” and Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Becca Balint denounced it as a lavish display of power and corruption.
Mark Ruffalo protested, urging opposition to the pending $110 billion merger that would concentrate control of CBS, CNN, HBO and TikTok and still requires Department of Justice and European regulator approval.

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Story summary

David Ellison hosted a private dinner honoring U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.
Progressive organizations called it a “corruption gala” and Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Becca Balint denounced it as a lavish display of power and corruption.
Mark Ruffalo protested, urging opposition to the pending $110 billion merger that would concentrate control of CBS, CNN, HBO and TikTok and still requires Department of Justice and European regulator approval.