Story perspectives

Trump Dines with Skydance CEO Amid $111B Merger Review

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump dined with Skydance CEO David Ellison at Institute of Peace while the Justice Department reviews the $111 billion Warner Bros. merger.
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and senior reporters attended, raising concerns that the dinner blurs lines between the administration and news organizations.
Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Chris Murphy, condemned the event and warned that Democratic victories would dismantle anti-consumer media conglomerates tied to the $111 billion deal.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump dined with Skydance CEO David Ellison at Institute of Peace while the Justice Department reviews the $111 billion Warner Bros. merger.
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and senior reporters attended, raising concerns that the dinner blurs lines between the administration and news organizations.
Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Chris Murphy, condemned the event and warned that Democratic victories would dismantle anti-consumer media conglomerates tied to the $111 billion deal.