Was Trump BRIBED? Senators Target CBS Merger!

Senators Warren, Sanders, and Wyden are grilling incoming CBS owner David Ellison over an alleged Trump “side deal” tied to The Late Show cancellation, risking anti‑bribery investigations and media consolidation turmoil.

At a Glance

• Three senators sent Ellison a letter demanding detailed answers by August 4.
• The query centers on a potential “secret side deal” worth $15M–$20M in broadcast ads or public service announcements.
• Paramount recently paid Trump a $16 million settlement over a disputed 60 Minutes segment.
• Shortly after, CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s late‑night show, prompting political backlash.
• The merger between Skydance and Paramount requires FCC approval, and the senators flagged possible legal violations tied to that review.

What’s at Stake

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden fired off a formal letter to Skydance CEO David Ellison on July 21, asking if there’s any undisclosed payment, advertising, or content-for-approval deal linked to President Trump or his administration.

They want to know if Ellison personally negotiated with Trump, campaigned for content changes, or influenced the cancellation of Colbert’s show—all concerns tied to anti‑bribery laws. The senators set a firm deadline of August 4 for responses.

Watch a report: Senators Investigate Whether David Ellison Cut Side Deal With Trump

Broader Implications

The inquiry arrives against the backdrop of Paramount’s July 2 settlement, where Trump accepted $16M—reportedly allocated to his legal fees and presidential library. Trump later claimed the deal was actually worth double when factoring in ad value, casting doubt on the public figure cited figure. If Ad‑Tech advertisements were exchanged for merger approval, it could violate federal law.

The cancellation of The Late Show on July 17 intensified the controversy. Colbert had openly criticized the settlement as a “bribe,” and the show’s abrupt end just days later raised alarms among lawmakers and media observers. Senators flagged the timing in their letter, questioning whether the content decision was financially driven or politically motivated.

David Ellison’s father, Larry Ellison—co‑founder of Oracle and a known Trump ally—adds another layer. With the Skydance‑Paramount merger pending before the Trump‑appointed FCC Chair Brendan Carr, any shady payments or editorial shifts could serve as grounds for legal review or regulatory delay.

Impending Fallout

This investigation could slow or even derail one of the entertainment industry’s biggest deals. It has already triggered bipartisan calls for stricter controls on presidential library donations and content influence by prospective owners. Even if no illicit arrangement is discovered, the scrutiny alone may chill future media mergers and spotlight growing concerns over corporate media sovereignty in the Trump era.