Senator Graham posts on X Ellison will be his guest at speech

Senator Graham posts on X Ellison will be his guest at speech

Senator Graham to Bring Paramount CEO to State of the Union Amid Merger Developments

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced that David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Global, will attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address as his guest. Ellison’s attendance follows recent developments in Paramount’s bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which has escalated in the wake of a competing agreement with Netflix.

Paramount’s revised offer, valued at $31 per share in cash, includes a “ticking fee” of $0.25 per quarter after September 30, 2026, and a $7 billion regulatory termination fee if the deal falters due to regulatory hurdles. The proposal also requires Paramount to cover WBD’s $2.8 billion termination fee to exit its existing Netflix merger agreement. While WBD’s board has not yet classified the bid as a “superior proposal,” the move signals heightened competition in the media consolidation landscape.

Ellison’s involvement has drawn scrutiny from Democratic senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who recently requested Paramount preserve records related to communications with Trump’s administration and allies as part of a potential investigation into the merger. The inquiry focuses on lobbying efforts, political donations, and regulatory approvals tied to the transaction.

Graham, a key Trump ally, has navigated a complex political trajectory, including recent criticism of the president’s Jan. 6 pardons and his endorsement of Trump’s 2026 reelection bid. His choice of guest underscores the intersection of media, politics, and corporate strategy amid ongoing debates over regulatory oversight and executive influence.

The outcome of Paramount’s bid and the Senate’s investigation could impact market confidence in media mergers and highlight broader tensions between corporate leadership and political accountability. Investors are closely monitoring WBD’s board decision and potential legislative responses to the funding disputes involving Homeland Security, which may further complicate the regulatory environment as Senate Democrats vow to oppose a DHS bill.

As the State of the Union approaches, Ellison’s presence reflects both the strategic importance of media consolidation and the political dynamics shaping corporate governance in 2026.