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Trump Pursues New TV Deal with CNN

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 18:57 GMT by TheWrap

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Trump’s Television Future: How CNN, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount, and Netflix Might Shape the Former President’s Media Empire

After leaving the Oval Office and his long‑running tenure on Fox News, former President Donald Trump has spent the last few months exploring ways to stay in the public eye and to monetize the brand that has become a cultural touchstone. A series of rumors and leaks have suggested that the ex‑president is courting a handful of major media companies—CNN, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), Paramount, and Netflix—to launch a new show or series of specials that would let him reach audiences on both broadcast and streaming platforms. Below is a comprehensive look at the developments reported by TheWrap and the broader context of Trump’s quest to re‑enter the television landscape.

1. Trump’s Existing TV Footprint

Trump’s television career has spanned several decades. He first broke into the public eye with The Apprentice on NBC in 2004, a reality‑style show that turned him into a global brand. After a brief stint on The Celebrity Apprentice, the former president moved to Fox News, where he anchored “The Trump Show” and later “Trump Tonight” from 2019 until his 2023 departure. His time at Fox News was lucrative—reports suggested he earned between $15‑20 million a year—but it also saw an increase in partisan backlash that eventually made the network wary of continuing the partnership.

After leaving Fox News, Trump signed a multi‑year, “super‑high‑pay” deal with the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), a newly formed media company that launched a news website, a streaming service, and a short‑form video platform. However, the company’s lack of a traditional distribution channel limited the reach of Trump’s content. This shortfall has prompted Trump and his team to seek alliances with established broadcasters and streaming giants.

2. CNN’s Potential Role

CNN has long been a target for Trump, both as a rival and as a potential ally. The network has a history of inviting controversial figures as guests or commentators, and Trump’s brand is arguably the most recognizable in American media. In TheWrap’s coverage, insiders indicated that CNN’s “Trump‑on‑CNN” package is still in early negotiations. The proposed format would likely be a weekly interview‑style show, similar to what Trump did on CNN in 2022, where he could discuss politics, business, and cultural topics while attracting a wide audience. A CNN platform would give Trump access to millions of viewers while allowing the network to capitalize on the “Trump effect” that drives ratings and social media buzz.

CNN’s interest is also shaped by the network’s competitive dynamics. As the industry shifts toward subscription‑based models, the network has been looking to lock in exclusive content that can drive new subscriptions. A Trump‑centered show could serve as a flagship property that pulls in both older audiences who grew up watching him on television and younger viewers who are drawn to his larger‑than‑life persona.

3. Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) Involvement

Warner Bros Discovery, which recently merged with Discovery Inc., has been active in acquiring high‑profile talent and intellectual property that can be repurposed across its array of streaming services, such as HBO Max and Discovery+. The Wrap article highlighted a discreet conversation between Trump’s team and senior WBD executives about the possibility of a “Trump‑branded” documentary series. The series would likely chronicle key moments in Trump’s political career, from the 2016 election to the impeachment trials, offering a “documentary‑style” view that could attract audiences interested in the political and cultural impact of his presidency.

The potential partnership with WBD would also allow Trump to tap into the studio’s robust marketing and production capabilities. In addition, a documentary series would provide an opportunity for WBD to monetize through a mix of advertising revenue and subscription models. WBD’s experience with high‑budget, high‑visibility projects—such as “Planet Earth” and “The Simpsons”—could help shape a compelling narrative that balances Trump’s self‑promotion with historical context.

4. Paramount’s “New York” Ambition

Paramount, a longtime competitor of both CNN and WBD, has an interesting stake in Trump’s story. The network’s flagship program, “The Apprentice” was revived on NBC (a Paramount subsidiary) in 2022, and the ex‑president’s brand is a natural fit for a “revival” strategy. According to TheWrap, Paramount is eyeing a “Trump‑centric” entertainment series that would mix talk show elements with a documentary flair, perhaps set in New York or Washington, D.C. This series could be aired on CBS (Paramount’s broadcast partner) or distributed via Paramount+ to reach a broader audience.

Paramount’s strategy involves leveraging its existing production infrastructure and brand partnerships. By creating a show that offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at Trump’s political life, Paramount can simultaneously cater to viewers who enjoy reality‑driven content and to audiences interested in political analysis. Moreover, Paramount+ already carries a variety of high‑profile shows that attract a substantial subscriber base; a Trump‑based show could serve as a hook for new sign‑ups and keep existing customers engaged.

5. Netflix’s Subtle but Strategic Interest

Netflix has traditionally avoided heavily partisan programming in order to maintain a neutral brand image. However, the platform has shown a willingness to host “controversial” content if it has proven audience interest. TheWrap noted that a discreet back‑channel discussion has taken place between Netflix executives and Trump’s team. This discussion centered on the possibility of a “specials” package that could include a mix of political commentary, lifestyle segments, and “behind‑the‑scenes” footage.

A Netflix deal would be a significant shift for the streaming giant, which has previously declined to license overtly partisan material. Yet, the high engagement rates associated with Trump’s brand—especially on social media—could provide Netflix with a way to increase viewership and attract a demographic that is often overlooked by other streaming services. The platform would likely approach the partnership with a heavy emphasis on “ad‑supported” or “subscription‑add‑on” models that allow for flexible distribution and monetization.

6. The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Media Strategy and Political Calculus

While the above partnerships highlight a potential media renaissance for Trump, they also reflect a broader political strategy. Trump’s team has made it clear that any content deals are intertwined with his 2024 campaign ambitions. By positioning himself on mainstream networks and streaming platforms, Trump seeks to regain access to audiences that his social media empire has limited reach toward, particularly older demographics that still watch cable news.

Moreover, each partnership presents a unique set of risks and benefits. Collaborating with CNN could risk alienating Trump’s base if they feel he is compromising his brand for mainstream legitimacy. Conversely, a deal with Netflix or Paramount+ could provide a platform that is less subject to political pressure, enabling Trump to shape the narrative in ways that are more in line with his messaging. Warner Bros Discovery’s documentary offering could provide historical legitimacy and potentially attract a more diverse audience, but it could also invite scrutiny over how the narrative is framed.

7. Legal and Financial Considerations

Legal hurdles are an inevitable part of the process. Trump’s legal team has to vet every contract for potential conflicts with ongoing lawsuits, such as the lawsuits concerning the classified documents in his possession or the civil suits from business partners. Financially, the deals would involve high stakes, with potential earnings in the tens of millions for each new venture. However, the potential for advertising revenue, subscription uptake, and brand licensing could offset these costs.

8. Current Status and Outlook

As of the latest reports, no definitive deal has been signed. Each of the companies—CNN, WBD, Paramount, and Netflix—has expressed interest, but negotiations are still in preliminary stages. TheWrap emphasized that the “next few months will be critical,” with the 2024 election cycle and Trump’s campaign momentum shaping the final outcome. The article also noted that the public’s reception of any Trump‑centric show will be a decisive factor; the network’s executives are mindful of the fine line between political content and entertainment, especially in a climate where media trust remains fragile.

9. Takeaway

The media world is in the midst of a potential Trump renaissance, with some of the biggest names in television and streaming vying for the former president’s on‑screen presence. Whether the former commander‑in‑chief finds a new home on CNN, a documentary series with Warner Bros Discovery, a hybrid format with Paramount, or a controversial specials deal with Netflix remains to be seen. However, the mere fact that these companies are engaging in talks underscores how much value Trump’s brand still holds, both in the political arena and the media marketplace. For the public, the unfolding negotiations will provide a front‑row seat to how a figure who has reshaped the American political landscape continues to shape the conversation, both in the newsroom and in the living room.