“On February 3, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights held a hearing titled “Examining the Competitive Impact of the Proposed Netflix-Warner Brothers Transaction.” Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell testified. Although Paramount’s parallel bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery prompted an invitation for you to appear, you declined. In your letter rejecting the invitation, you characterized the Paramount bid as “only an offer.” However, an offer is a legally recognized step in the merger review process — and this one was well advanced. DOJ had issued a Second Request for Information on December 23, 2025, and Paramount was actively working to comply, demonstrating that the transaction was documented and moving forward,” the Senators wrote. 

On January 29, 2026, when David Ellison declined to testify, he offered to provide written testimony. Senator Booker subsequently requested that testimony, seeking insights on the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount’s parallel bid, and asking Ellison to address concerns about political interference in the merger review process. Ellison’s response failed to address these issues.

“Last week, Paramount-Skydance announced that it certified substantial compliance with the Department of Justice’s December 23, 2025, Second Request for Information, commencing a 10-day waiting period for DOJ’s review. The announcement expressed strong confidence that Paramount will secure “the necessary clearances quickly and efficiently” because, in its estimation, the acquisition does not “raise any competition concerns.” However, we can assure you that it raises significant competition concerns that the Senate has not had an opportunity to examine. The pattern of evasion, combined with Paramount’s apparent confidence that a politically sensitive transaction will clear without difficulty, warrants serious scrutiny. In light of these developments, and pursuant to Congress’ oversight responsibilities, this letter serves as notice to preserve records related to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery transaction,” the Senators continued. 

In furtherance of Congress’ oversight responsibilities and any potential investigation, the Senators directed Paramount to preserve the following documents upon receipt of this letter:

1. All communications, information, and documents related to Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the DOJ’s Second Request for Information, including communications with President Donald Trump, members of his family, or individuals associated or affiliated with President Trump; Administration officials, including White House and DOJ political appointees; and DOJ Antitrust Division officials.
2. All communications, information, and documents related to lobbyists or other intermediaries retained to represent Paramount or who otherwise advocated on behalf of Paramount in connection with the proposed transaction, including any currently or formerly affiliated with the Trump Administration or any business associated with President Trump or members of his family.
3. All communications, information, and documents related to donations and other contributions made, directly or indirectly, to President Trump, his causes or interests, including through political action committees and other outside organizations.

The Senators also asked Mr. Ellison to provide written responses to a series of questions probing reported allegations that he used personal relationships behind the scenes to improperly influence approval of the merger.

To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

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