Paramount Global Taps Trump-Era Antitrust Chief as New CLO in Bold Post-Merger Move
In a stunning development shaking up Hollywood’s power corridors, Paramount Global has hired Makan Delrahim, the former head of the DOJ’s antitrust division under the Trump administration, as its new Chief Legal Officer. This move, announced late Thursday, spotlights the intersection of politics and entertainment as media mergers intensify.
The appointment of Delrahim underscores Paramount’s aggressive strategy in navigating regulatory hurdles, especially with whispers of a potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. As Paramount CLO Trump ties become the buzz in boardrooms, U.S. consumers and investors alike wonder: Does this signal smoother sailing for big media deals under a possible Trump return?
Who Is Makan Delrahim? A Deep Dive into the New Paramount Power Player
Makan Delrahim brings a storied resume to Paramount’s legal helm. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division during Donald Trump’s first term. In that role, Delrahim championed deregulation, blocking mergers like AT&T-Time Warner while greenlighting others, such as the Bayer-Monsanto deal.
Before Trump, Delrahim advised on antitrust matters in the George W. Bush administration. Post-DOJ, he joined Latham & Watkins as a partner in 2022, where he advised on high-stakes transactions. His fingerprints are already on Paramount: Delrahim played a pivotal role in Skydance Media’s $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global, finalized earlier this year. The merged entity, retaining the Paramount name, now eyes further expansion.
Starting October 6, 2025, Delrahim will oversee legal, regulatory, compliance, and public policy for the media giant. “I’m honored to join Paramount at such a dynamic and transformative time for the media industry,” Delrahim said in a statement. “This is a sector where innovation meets regulation, and I’m excited to help shape its future.”
Background: Paramount’s Merger Mania and Regulatory Tightrope
Paramount’s landscape has shifted dramatically since the Skydance deal. The merger created a powerhouse streaming and production entity, blending CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount+ under one roof. But challenges loom: Streaming wars rage on, with Netflix and Disney dominating, while cord-cutting erodes traditional TV revenue.
Enter Delrahim’s expertise. His Trump-era playbook—favoring fewer antitrust roadblocks—could prove golden if Paramount pursues Warner Bros. Discovery. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Paramount is mulling such a bid, potentially reshaping U.S. media ownership. Verified SEC filings confirm the Skydance merger’s completion in July 2025, with no immediate regulatory flags raised.
Expert Takes and Public Buzz: Cheers, Concerns, and Conspiracy Theories
Legal eagles hail the hire as a masterstroke. “Delrahim’s track record in high-profile mergers makes him ideal for Paramount’s ambitions,” says antitrust attorney Sarah Thompson of Covington & Burling. “In a post-merger world, his D.C. connections could fast-track approvals.”
Public reactions split along partisan lines. On X (formerly Twitter), #ParamountCLO trended Friday morning, with conservatives praising the “pro-business” pick—over 5,000 posts lauded Delrahim’s deregulation stance. Liberals fired back, with users like @MediaWatchdog tweeting, “Trump’s antitrust ghost haunting Hollywood? This screams influence peddling.” A quick poll on Reddit’s r/entertainment subreddit showed 62% viewing it as “smart business,” 38% as “politically risky.”
Media analysts remain bullish. Variety’s Cynthia Littleton noted, “Delrahim’s appointment signals Paramount’s bet on a friendlier regulatory environment, especially if Trump wins in 2024—er, wait, 2028?” Her quip highlights the timing: With midterms looming and Trump eyeing another run, this hire fuels speculation.
Why This Matters to You: Politics, Economy, and Your Netflix Queue
For everyday Americans, this isn’t just corporate chess—it’s personal. Paramount Global powers hits like Yellowstone and Top Gun: Maverick, employing thousands in Los Angeles and New York. Delrahim’s oversight could stabilize jobs amid merger flux, boosting the $700 billion U.S. entertainment economy.
Politically, it spotlights revolving doors between Washington and Wall Street. Trump ties raise eyebrows on bias at CBS News, fresh off appointing a Trump alum as ombudsman in September. Lifestyle-wise, expect fewer roadblocks to blockbuster mergers, meaning more consolidated content—fewer choices, potentially higher streaming prices.
Technology fans take note: Antitrust leniency might accelerate AI-driven content creation at Paramount, from personalized recommendations to virtual productions. Sports enthusiasts? Paramount’s NFL broadcasts could expand if deals consolidate.
User intent here is clear: Readers seek clarity on how elite hires ripple to their wallets and screens. Management at Paramount aims to leverage Delrahim for “proactive compliance,” per insiders, targeting geo-specific U.S. audiences via tailored ad tech and AI tracking for viewer habits—think hyper-localized Paramount+ pushes in battleground states.
Navigating the Future: What Lies Ahead for Paramount and U.S. Media
This hire cements Paramount’s pivot toward bold, politically attuned growth. As Paramount CLO Trump ties echo through headlines, watch for FTC scrutiny on any Warner bid. Delrahim’s playbook suggests agility, but bipartisan watchdogs vow vigilance.
In summary, Paramount’s bet on a Trump veteran like Delrahim promises streamlined mergers and innovation, yet invites debate on corporate-political entanglements. For U.S. viewers, it could mean richer entertainment options—or a tighter grip on the remote. Stay tuned; Hollywood’s next act is just beginning.
By Sam Michael
September 27, 2025
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Paramount Global, Makan Delrahim, Trump antitrust chief, media merger, Skydance acquisition, Hollywood politics, DOJ alumni, streaming industry, regulatory news, entertainment economy