Top House Democrat accuses Paramount Skydance CEO of colluding with President Trump

(CNN, KYMA) - Democrats are intensifying their scrutiny of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and his company's proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, is accusing Ellison of "colluding" with President Donald Trump, and is asking him to sit for a transcribed interview.

Rep. Raskin's letter raises concerns about Paramount potentially taking control of CNN.

Ellison has said CNN, whose owner is WBD, and CBS News, whose owner is Paramount, should operate independently and "tell it straight down the middle."

Paramount has consistently said the deal is pro-competitive, but critics say the merger could reduce competition and give workers fewer employers to choose from.

The merger is currently on hold because of antitrust litigation, and a trial has been set for March of next year.

A Paramount spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.