Power Grab/Fire anyone who can stop him
The FCC approves the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance deal 22 days after Paramount pays Trump $16 million
The FCC voted 2-1 on July 24, 2025, after Skydance made written commitments to Chairman Brendan Carr, including an ombudsman and no DEI programs.
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 on July 24, 2025 to approve the transfer of Paramount Global’s broadcast licenses to Skydance Media investors, clearing the $8 billion acquisition. It came 22 days after Paramount paid $16 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview.
Skydance gave Chairman Brendan Carr written commitments on July 22: no DEI programs, programming embodying a diversity of viewpoints across the political spectrum, and an ombudsman. The order, FCC 25-43, records them. The ombudsman reports to the president of New Paramount and evaluates bias complaints for at least two years.
Commissioner Anna Gomez dissented, saying the FCC pressured Paramount into a private settlement and eroded press freedom. The vote was 2-1. The vote was 2-1. Gomez was the one commissioner to vote against clearing the license transfer for Skydance Media’s investors.
Who benefited
Skydance’s investors got an $8 billion acquisition approved, and Trump got $16 million. The settlement was paid on one date and the license transfer was approved 22 days later. The order, FCC 25-43, records the commitments Skydance made to Chairman Brendan Carr on July 22, two days before the vote.
Who wanted something
Paramount wanted its license transfer approved, and Trump wanted $16 million over a 60 Minutes interview. Skydance gave Carr written commitments two days before the vote to get the order it needed. Skydance gave Carr written commitments two days before the vote, including no DEI programs, and the FCC cleared the deal 2-1.
Who lost out
Paramount accepts, for at least two years, an ombudsman reporting to the president of New Paramount to evaluate bias complaints, a commitment made to the FCC chairman. Gomez said the FCC had pressured Paramount into a private settlement, and that press freedom was eroded.
Why it matters
Paramount paid Trump $16 million on one date, and the FCC approved its $8 billion deal 22 days later. The order records the commitments Skydance made to Carr on July 22. Gomez dissented, and the vote was 2-1.