As Warner Bros. Discovery continues its search for a buyer, a new report suggests that the White House under President Donald Trump is particularly supportive of a potential acquisition by Paramount Skydance — and alleged behind-the-scenes conversations may shed light on why.

According to The Guardian, Larry Ellison, Paramount Skydance’s largest shareholder and longtime Oracle co-founder, has reportedly held informal discussions with White House officials that included conversations about reshaping CNN, the cable news network currently owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Sources told the outlet that Ellison has maintained ongoing contact with Trump administration officials and, during at least one exchange, allegedly spoke about the possibility of removing certain CNN hosts whom Trump has frequently criticized — including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar.

Though Ellison does not hold an operational role within Paramount Skydance, the conversations reportedly “animated” the White House as the administration looks favorably on a deal involving Paramount amid Warner Bros. Discovery’s effort to solicit bids.

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Report Alleges Conversations About CNN Restructuring

Per The Guardian’s reporting, Ellison spoke with at least one White House official about changes he believed could be implemented at CNN if Paramount Skydance secured ownership through a Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.

Those alleged changes included:

• Terminating CNN hosts whom Trump has publicly targeted
• Possibly bringing CBS programming, such as 60 Minutes, to the CNN lineup

60 Minutes is part of CBS, which is owned by Paramount Global.

Paramount Skydance itself is run by Ellison’s son, David Ellison, though the elder Ellison remains the company’s primary shareholder.

Neither Warner Bros. Discovery nor Paramount Skydance has publicly confirmed the contents of these reported conversations.

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Trump-Paramount Relationship Scrutinized Following $16 Million Settlement

The report also comes months after Paramount reached a $16 million settlement with Trump. The former president had sued the company for $10 billion, alleging that 60 Minutes deceptively edited its interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris prior to the 2024 election.

The settlement was followed almost immediately by the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which had been one of CBS’ most successful late-night programs. The decision came days after Colbert criticized Paramount for settling Trump’s lawsuit — though the company has never linked the cancellation to his remarks.

Trump has repeatedly called on networks to fire late-night hosts who lampoon him, including recent public statements demanding NBC remove Seth Meyers.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Receives Multiple Bids

Initial bids for Warner Bros. Discovery were due Thursday, Nov. 20. Paramount Skydance is reportedly one of several interested buyers. Netflix and Comcast have also expressed interest, according to The Guardian.

The White House did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. CNN declined to comment.

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Key Figures Mentioned in the Report

• Larry Ellison — Paramount Skydance’s main shareholder; alleged informal conversations with White House officials
• President Donald Trump — reportedly supportive of a Paramount Skydance bid
• Erin Burnett & Brianna Keilar — CNN hosts allegedly discussed in conversations about firing
• David Ellison — CEO of Skydance; runs operations despite his father’s shareholder status