Donald Trump says CNN's leaders are "a disgrace" as Paramount pursued Warner Bros. Discovery

President Donald Trump’s criticism of CNN unfolded while Paramount, owned by Skydance, was seeking Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent, in a takeover fight. Days after Paramount made an unsolicited offer for Warner last year, Trump attacked the network and called for it to be sold; the quoted remark was part of that criticism. His administration also weighed in. Paramount closed its $81 billion purchase of Warner on Tuesday, placing CNN alongside HBO Max, Paramount+, CBS and other assets under David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz. The White House later criticized CNN’s Iran-war coverage, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Ellison’s takeover of the network would be better. Ellison has said CNN’s newsroom will remain independent, and Mark Thompson will remain CNN’s editor-in-chief. Critics doubt an independence board created under a state settlement will be effective, citing Ellison’s broad role in appointments.