By Isabella Torregiani
11:24am PDT, Jul 23, 2025
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Multiple senators are joining forces to investigate whether Skydance Media CEO
David Ellison struck a secret side deal with President
Donald Trump following a $16 million settlement with Paramount.
Keep reading for more of their probe… MORE:
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Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden are "raising fresh questions about corruption" as Paramount and Skydance await FCC approval for their proposed $8 billion merger. The scrutiny stems from President Donald Trump's legal settlement with Paramount after accusing CBS of editing their interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. As part of the deal, the studio agreed to cover his legal fees and contribute to his future presidential library.
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Now, the lawmakers are questioning whether Skydance played a role in the abrupt cancelation of
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, after the host referred to President Donald Trump's settlement as a "big fat bribe." As part of their probe, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden submitted a letter demanding answers to seven specific questions — including:
-Is there any arrangement in which Skydance is providing compensation, advertising or promotional support to President Trump, his family or his presidential library?
-Have you personally discussed the Paramount-Skydance merger with President Trump, his family members or anyone affiliated with his administration or presidential library?
-Were you or any Skydance executives involved in settling Trump's lawsuit against CBS?
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The investigation comes after Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats introduced the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act of 2025 — a bill aimed at preventing self-dealing while presidents are still in office. The proposed legislation would bar presidents from fundraising or accepting donations before leaving office, with the exception of limited 501(c)(3) contributions capped at $10,000 total. It would also ban donations from foreign nationals, registered lobbyists, federal contractors or individuals seeking presidential pardons for two years post-presidency.
