The deepening alliance between Donald Trump and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison reveals a transactional model of political influence and media consolidation. A $45 million dark money contribution from Ellison to a pro-Trump political group facilitated a close personal rapport, granting him unique access to the White House. This relationship correlates with the Ellison family’s aggressive acquisition of major media entities, including Paramount and CBS, alongside ambitions to control CNN. Evidence suggests this consolidation serves the administration’s interests, as seen in the settlement of a Trump-led lawsuit against CBS and subsequent shifts in network coverage. Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer details how these financial maneuvers and personal ties enable a powerful, potentially biased influence over the American media landscape, raising significant questions about corporate governance and the integrity of independent journalism.
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