House Democrats probe Skydance-Paramount merger over alleged anti-bribery violations and Trump ties

Did a backroom deal sway Trump’s sudden support for the Skydance merger? Lawmakers dig into Ellison’s ties and a murky $36M payout. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

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2025 November 13 . 7:24 AM

1 min read

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House Democrats probe Skydance-Paramount merger over alleged anti-bribery violations and Trump ties

Two House Democrats, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Frank Pallone, have expressed concern over the Skydance-Paramount merger, questioning potential violations of anti-bribery laws. They are pressing Skydance CEO Larry Ellison for answers, following Donald Trump's endorsement of the merger and suggestions of a 'side deal'.

Raskin and Pallone found it 'troubling' that Trump endorsed the merger just days after meeting with Ellison, although Trump hasn't specified who he met with on that day. The FCC approved the merger weeks after the previous Paramount regime settled Trump's lawsuit for $16 million. Trump later claimed to anticipate an additional $20 million from the new owners, totaling over $36 million.

The lawmakers contend that Skydance's response to their investigation has been 'incomplete and inadequate'. They question whether Paramount fully complied with anti-bribery laws in relation to the merger. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and others have suggested that anti-bribery laws may have been violated in the merger. Despite these concerns, Skydance's general counsel has stated that the company has fully complied with anti-bribery laws. Skydance and Ellison have not commented on Trump's claim.

Raskin and Pallone are pressing Ellison to answer questions about the merger, including a potential 'side deal' with Trump. The investigation continues, with lawmakers seeking clarification on the merger's legality and transparency.