Business, Finance & Tech
Trump Administration DOJ Approves Massive Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has officially given the green light for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a historic mega-merger poised to completely reshape the Hollywood media landscape. The Department of Justice signed off on the 111-billion-dollar transaction on Friday afternoon, clearing a massive regulatory hurdle for Paramount to take control of CNN, HBO, the Warner Bros. movie studio, and various other legacy entertainment assets. In an official statement, the Antitrust Division concluded that the transaction is unlikely to cause harm to competition or American consumers across streaming video on demand, linear television networks, or theatrical film distribution. Antitrust experts noted that federal regulators approved the transaction smoothly without demanding any asset divestitures, behavioral remedies, or structural concessions from Paramount.
While Paramount executives expressed gratitude for the thorough federal review and stated they remain focused on completing the deal as quickly as possible, the corporate marriage still faces significant legal threats. A coalition of state attorneys general has openly criticized the federal government for failing to properly enforce antitrust laws and has threatened separate legal action. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed that the merger remains under active investigation by the state's Department of Justice, a move that could potentially stall the consolidation process. Prominent deal critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, slammed the approval as terrible news for consumers, arguing that the transaction reeks of political corruption and influence-peddling by Trump-aligned billionaires, while explicitly calling on state officials to step in and block the merger.
The massive corporate acquisition has been mired in intense controversy for months due to Paramount's deep personal ties to President Donald Trump and perceived corporate efforts to win favor with his administration. The transaction is heavily bankrolled by prominent Trump ally Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, whose son David Ellison became the chief executive officer of Paramount following a merger last year. Critics have frequently pointed to recent overhauls at CBS News and flagship programs like 60 Minutes as evidence of the company's willingness to bow to political pressure. Although Trump has publicly cheered the Ellisons and expressed clear interest in seeing them seize control of CNN, Paramount executives have privately dismissed claims of political cronyism.
Beyond impending domestic legal battles, the transaction must still clear rigorous international scrutiny before the companies can officially combine their assets. Regulators in both the European Union and the United Kingdom are currently reviewing whether the massive market consolidation will significantly lessen industry competition, with European watchdogs also probing the billions of dollars in funding provided by Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. While Paramount initially targeted an expedited closing date in July, the lengthy timelines required for these foreign reviews make a late September closing date during the third quarter far more realistic. Press freedom groups remain highly alarmed by the impending corporate shift, though Paramount insists it is firmly committed to investing heavily in the future of journalism rather than diminishing it.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 12, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
As the Lindsay Clancy trial begins to close, discussions regarding postpartum mental health and postpartum care have began to draw attention to the level of care needed after childbirth. Maria Noble Valdez looked at this discussion locally with a mental health expert and mom here in Coachella Valley. #lindsayclancytrial #pospartum #mentalhealth #760 #nationalnews
EVEN PARKING HAS A VIP SECTION? A mall in Bakersfield is charging shoppers up to $10 a day for preferred parking spots closer to the entrance. So we had to ask: Would you pay for a better parking spot? And could paid parking eventually come to Valley malls? Fred Roggin and the panel weigh in on this week’s Roggin Report. Would you pay $10 for a prime parking spot? #RogginReport #FredRoggin #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Parking
📞 Call 760.466.0800 or visit DAPHealth.org to schedule your appointment today! Flu viruses change every year, and getting vaccinated is the best way to strengthen your immune system, lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization, and protect your loved ones. Sponsored by: DAP Health
A wedding day they’ll never forget. 💍🌊 A couple in the Philippines refused to let monsoon flooding wash away their special day — exchanging vows while standing waist-deep in floodwaters. Talk about making a splash on your wedding day! #WeddingDay #Philippines #Flooding #Monsoon #Wedding #Love #NBCPalmSprings
Idyllwild’s Mayor Max III is turning four! Yes, you read that right — Idyllwild has a canine mayor, and Mayor Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III is celebrating his fourth birthday this week. Max is part of a tradition that began in 2012, when the mountain community first elected a dog as mayor. His “campaign donations”? Belly rubs and dog treats. Mayor Max’s birthday celebration is happening Saturday, September 5, at Mountain Paws in Idyllwild, and the community is invited. Come celebrate the mayor — and maybe bring a treat. #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #MayorMax #MayorMaxIII #PalmSprings CoachellaValley DogsOfInstagram DogMayor CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
More than 2,000 rescues — and the year isn’t over yet. Santa Clemente lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the Pacific as they prepare for potentially stronger surf and bigger waves this winter. From Tower Zero, lifeguards monitor the entire beach and use cameras to spot trouble in the water. One of their biggest concerns? Rip currents, which can pull swimmers far from shore. With more rescues already this year than all of last year, lifeguards say the key is simple: be ready before someone needs help. #SanClemente #Lifeguards #OceanSafety #RipCurrents #BeachSafety SurfSafety SouthernCalifornia PacificOcean NBCPalmSprings
The Salton Sea is at a crossroads. From a massive restoration project bringing habitat back to the shoreline, to a potential lithium boom, and the new Salton Sea Conservancy, its future is being shaped right now. We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what comes next for the Salton Sea. In our newest 30-minute report, go behind-the-scenes with the state’s conservation team, learn about updated timlines from lithium executives, and hear how former political leaders paved the way. Restoring the Salton Sea: Progress, Promise and Pressure. Streaming this Sunday on NBC Palm Springs. #saltonsea #lithiumvalley #saltonseaconservancy #marybono
A few PSUSD students will get a unique opportunity to learn more about careers in Aviation at the Palm Springs Air Museum with the districts launch of their Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration Program. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to learn all about this. #palmspringsairmuseum #palmsprings #aviationeducation #psusd #backtoschool
Escape to the mountains without spending a fortune. Looking for a unique getaway? Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast in Idyllwild offers themed rooms, retro arcade games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, nightly camp movies and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain air. And there’s a special deal for NBC Palm Springs viewers: 15% off your stay 20% off additional nights when available Use code NBCPalmSprings at checkout The adults-only property also offers a relaxed 420-friendly atmosphere and complimentary breakfast, including a memorable cannabis-leaf-shaped waffle. Would you stay here for a mountain getaway? #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #HicksvillePines #MountainGetaway #CaliforniaGetaway WeekendGetaway CoachellaValley TravelCalifornia