Trump Endorses $8B Skydance-Paramount Mega Merger as Legal Storm Looms Over PARA Deal

Hollywood meets Wall Street—again. The $8 billion Skydance-Paramount merger just scored a surprise backer: Donald Trump. But don’t pop the champagne yet—lawsuits are circling like vultures.

The Deal That’s Shaking Tinseltown

Trump’s endorsement throws gasoline on an already fiery media consolidation play. Skydance, Paramount, and a $8 billion price tag? That’s not just a deal—it’s a power move. Yet PARA shareholders are sweating bullets as legal challenges threaten to derail the blockbuster merger.

Legal Thunderclouds on the Horizon

Behind the glitz, attorneys are sharpening their knives. The lawsuit alleges—what else?—shareholder unfairness. Because nothing says ‘corporate synergy’ like a good old-fashioned courtroom brawl.

Wall Street’s Latest Soap Opera

Mergers this big always come with drama. Trump’s involvement? That’s just the cherry on top. Meanwhile, analysts whisper: ‘Is this empire-building—or ego-stroking?’ Either way, grab the popcorn. And maybe a lawyer.

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The proposed merger WOULD combine Skydance and Paramount Global into “Paramount Skydance Corporation,” a $28 billion entertainment powerhouse. The plan unfolds in two phases: Skydance investors will first pay $2.4 billion to acquire National Amusements Inc., the Redstone family’s holding company, followed by a full merger with Paramount. David Ellison is slated to lead the new company, with his father, Oracle co-founder and GOP megadonor Larry Ellison, becoming its largest shareholder.

The deal would bring together iconic assets including CBS, Paramount+, Showtime, Comedy Central, and BET. It was initially expected to close in early 2025, but a revised deadline now sets July 7, 2025, as the target.

Deal Is Awaiting Approval

Complicating matters is Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS and its parent, Paramount, over a 2024 “60 Minutes” segment involving then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump linked the lawsuit to delays in the merger and hinted at progress in settlement talks, citing the recent departure of top CBS executives.

Regulatory approval remains a key hurdle. The SEC and EU regulators signed off in February, but the FCC is still reviewing the transfer of 29 CBS stations. Pressure from lawmakers and DEI-related issues has added friction. Skydance has intensified its lobbying efforts to advance the deal.

Trump’s endorsement may help clear the path. Following his comments, PARA stock moved slightly higher. Whether the political backing speeds up FCC approval or influences the lawsuit’s outcome remains to be seen, but the merger is clearly attracting attention on Wall Street and in Washington.

Is PARA Stock a Buy?

According to The Street’s analysts, Paramount Global is a Hold, with an average PARA stock price target of $12.08. This implies a 0.33% upside.