Sen. Elizabeth Warren Demands Independent Probe into Alleged Trump Side Deal in Paramount–Skydance Merger

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is intensifying scrutiny over the Paramount Global–Skydance merger, labeling the companies’ responses to recent Senate inquiries as “dodgy” and calling for a full independent investigation into whether a “side deal” involving Donald Trump was part of the merger approval process.

In a letter addressed to Warren and fellow Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Skydance general counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon asserted that the company had acted in full compliance with anti-bribery laws while seeking regulatory clearance for its acquisition of Paramount Global.

Paramount Global co-CEO George Cheeks also responded, defending the company’s decision to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview featuring Vice President Kamala Harris. Cheeks disclosed that the settlement totaled $16 million, with the entire amount—aside from legal fees—designated for a future nonprofit presidential library.

However, Trump claimed that the settlement included an additional $16 million to $20 million in public service and advertising commitments—a figure he said was “anticipated” from the company’s new ownership. Paramount disputes this claim, insisting that $16 million was the final amount agreed upon. Skydance, notably, did not deny the existence of such a side deal, and declined to share any further details.

In her new statement, Warren expressed deep concern, stating:
“These dodgy responses raise even more questions about whether Paramount and Skydance engaged in corrupt side deals or political favors to get their merger approved.” She called for a “full, independent investigation into whether there was any criminal behavior.”

She added, “The existence of a secret side deal with Skydance is a big open question. President Trump claimed that there was a $16 million side deal. Paramount contradicts President Trump’s claim, while Skydance does not deny the existence of this side deal — and refuses to disclose any terms.”

Skydance’s McKinnon reiterated the company’s legal compliance, stating,
“Throughout its history and during the review of the proposed acquisition of Paramount, Skydance has fully complied with all applicable laws, including our nation’s anti-bribery laws.”
She confirmed that Skydance executives held “routine and customary” meetings with government officials, regulators, and members of Congress during the merger process.

But Warren wasn’t convinced. She demanded transparency regarding those meetings:
“Who met whom, when, and what other deals were made?”

Warren also questioned Skydance’s advance knowledge of CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a move announced days after Colbert described the Trump settlement on-air as a “big fat bribe.”

Skydance claims it was “not involved” in the cancellation decision and was informed only after Paramount made an independent call. Cheeks echoed this in a letter to Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), asserting the decision was driven purely by financial factors and unrelated to Colbert’s remarks or show performance.

Warren concluded her statement by blasting the companies:
“These giant corporations must think Americans are fools if they think these half-answers resolve serious questions about whether they bribed their way to a merger approval.”

Neither Skydance nor Paramount Global has issued additional comments as of this writing.