Legal AF by MeidasTouch

Episode Summary: "Trump Makes Shock Confession in Media Power Grab Scheme"

Release Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Michael Popok (MeidasTouch Network)

Episode Overview

This episode of Legal AF uncovers the rapidly unfolding battle for Warner Bros.—centered around control of CNN and other major assets—as Donald Trump openly throws his support behind a Saudi-funded, Jared Kushner-linked consortium. Host Michael Popok breaks down the intersection of law, Wall Street, and political power as Trump and his allies openly seek dominance over cornerstone American media properties, and explores the alarming implications for press independence and U.S. democracy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hostile Takeover: Who’s Involved and What’s at Stake

(03:00–05:00)

• The scenario:
  • A massive media bidding war erupts, with Paramount/Skydance (backed by Larry Ellison, Jared Kushner, and Saudi money) battling Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. (which includes CNN, HBO, DC Comics).
• Global and political stakes:
  • Trump overtly supports the Ellison/Kushner/Skydance bid, supported by foreign sovereign wealth, pitted against Netflix, a U.S. company.
  • Popok asserts this maneuver is an attempt by Trump to control the mainstream media landscape, notably CNN and CBS via Paramount-Skydance, thus fulfilling his long-term dream to dominate legacy media.
• Quote:
  • “Donald Trump is siding with Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, his buddy Larry Ellison, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi to take over an American company...” — Michael Popok [03:23]

2. How Hostile Takeovers Work & Legal Mechanisms

(04:56–10:10)

• Special committees and Delaware law:
  • Details on Warner Bros.’ board forming an independent special committee to oversee equitable bidding in mergers and acquisitions, under Delaware jurisdiction.
  • The difference between a friendly auction and hostile takeover: hostile bidders bypass the board to appeal directly to stockholders.
  • The absence of a “poison pill,” making Warner Bros. vulnerable to such a takeover.
• Quote:
  • “The special committee gets its own lawyers…under Delaware law, which controls most companies in America…The special committee makes the decision.” — Michael Popok [05:30]

3. Deal Details: Bid Amounts, Funding Sources, Legal Challenges

(07:40–10:10)

• Netflix vs. Paramount/Skydance bids:
  • Netflix offers $28/share (total $72B), plays by the book.
  • Skydance/Paramount counters with $108B—mostly cash—stacked with funding from Ellison, Kushner’s Affinity Partners, Saudi, Qatari, Abu Dhabi funds.
• Lawsuit threats:
  • Multiple shareholder lawsuits anticipated, targeting whichever side is seen as violating fiduciary duties or depressing stockholder value.
• Quote:
  • “Where’s the cash coming from? Donald Trump’s…Jared Kushner, his Affinity Partners, which is a couple billion in Saudi Arabian money…” — Michael Popok [07:50]

4. Trump’s Open Interference and “Shock Confession”

(11:16–12:21)

• Trump’s public statement (played on-air):
  • Trump praises Ted Sarandos (CEO of Netflix) personally but raises “market share” concerns over Netflix acquiring Warner Bros.
  • Trump explicitly states, “And I’ll be involved in that decision too.”
  • Indicates intent to use DOJ antitrust powers, ostensibly on competitive grounds, but evidently to favor the Kushner/Ellison bid.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “And I’ll be involved in that decision too.” — Donald Trump [11:50]

5. The Ellison Perspective: Paramount/Skydance Justifies Their Bid

(12:35–13:36)

• david ellison (paramount/skydance) speaks out:
  • On CNBC’s Squawk Box, details superior monetary offer, “pro-consumer, pro-creative talent, pro-competition.”
  • Stresses their cash component and alleged “faster regulatory certainty.”
• Quote:
  • “Our offer is $30 a share, all cash, $41 billion in equity, backstopped by the Ellison family [and] Redbird, $54B in debt…deal is pro consumer, it’s pro creative talent, it’s pro competition.” — David Ellison [12:40]

6. Antitrust Arguments and the Stakes for Democracy

(13:36–15:00)

• Likely Trump strategy:
  • Using “big market share” as a legal pretext to block Netflix, despite both competitors being industry giants.
  • The real aim: use federal power to commandeer mainstream media and stifle adversarial coverage.
  • Popok warns of the specter of state-driven propaganda should this Trump-aligned media conglomerate succeed.
• Popok’s warning:
  • “They are effectively going to become the propaganda network for Donald Trump with ads…guaranteed by Ellison’s son.” [15:17]
  • “…Never lose sight of the fact that Donald Trump got control of CBS…” [15:00]
• Assurance to listeners:
  • “He’ll never take over Midas Touch. He’ll never take over Legal AF…” — Michael Popok [16:05]

Notable Quotes

• Michael Popok [03:23]:
  “Donald Trump is siding with Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, his buddy Larry Ellison, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi to take over an American company…”
• Michael Popok [05:30]:
  “The special committee gets its own lawyers…under Delaware law, which controls most companies in America…The special committee makes the decision.”
• Michael Popok [07:50]:
  “Where’s the cash coming from? Donald Trump’s…Jared Kushner, his Affinity Partners, which is a couple billion in Saudi Arabian money…”
• Donald Trump [11:50]:
  “And I’ll be involved in that decision too.”
• David Ellison [12:40]:
  “Our offer is $30 a share, all cash, $41 billion in equity, backstopped by the Ellison family [and] Redbird, $54B in debt…deal is pro consumer, it’s pro creative talent, it’s pro competition.”
• Michael Popok [15:17]:
  “They are effectively going to become the propaganda network for Donald Trump with ads…guaranteed by Ellison’s son.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:00: Popok introduces the media takeover saga & players
• 04:56: Explanation of takeovers, legal protocols, and Delaware law
• 07:40: Bid details; Netflix vs. Skydance/Paramount and foreign investment
• 11:16: Trump’s public statements & shock confession of DOJ interference
• 12:35: David Ellison defends his consortium’s bid
• 13:36: Analysis of antitrust maneuvering and democratic dangers
• 15:00: Popok’s warning about propaganda and media capture

Final Thoughts

This episode exposes an unprecedented, deeply consequential contest at the heart of the U.S. media. Michael Popok’s legal and strategic insights not only clarify the mechanics of high-stakes takeovers but underscore the peril to press freedom in an environment where presidential power could be weaponized for personal and political domination. The episode warns of the existential threat to journalistic independence if Trump secures control of multiple legacy networks—while affirming Legal AF’s commitment to independent, adversarial commentary.