The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has raised serious national security concerns, according to U.S. Reps. Sam Liccardo and Ayanna Pressley. In a letter addressed to Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav and the board of directors, the lawmakers expressed worries about the transfer of substantial influence over an American media giant to foreign-backed financiers.
The specific concern lies in Paramount’s bid for WBD, which is reportedly supported by sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Of particular note is the Saudi Public Investment Fund, controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been implicated in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Additionally, the involvement of Affinity Partners, an investment company formed by Jared Kushner, raises further alarms.
The lawmakers highlighted the potential risks associated with foreign investors gaining control or influence over a major media company like Warner Bros. Discovery. They emphasized the need for a thorough national security review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) if any deal involving foreign sovereign investors proceeds.
In response to Paramount’s hostile takeover bid, which values Warner Bros. Discovery at $108.4 billion, the lawmakers demanded transparency and accountability from WBD. They urged the company to file a notice with CFIUS and ensure that regulatory and reputational risks are carefully considered before moving forward with any transaction.
The letter from Liccardo and Pressley underscored the importance of safeguarding national security and the interests of shareholders in the face of potential foreign influence in the media landscape. They called on Warner Bros. Discovery to prioritize these concerns and respond to their letter by December 22, 2025.
As the debate over the future ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery unfolds, the role of foreign investors and their potential impact on American media remains a critical issue. The outcome of this high-stakes acquisition bid could have far-reaching implications for the media industry and national security. It is crucial for all parties involved to carefully consider the risks and implications before moving forward with any deal.
