The remarks have intensified concerns that CNN's potential new owner could shift its coverage to favor former President Trump.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Friday that he looks forward to billionaire David Ellison taking control of CNN, suggesting that the channel's news reporting would improve under new management. "The sooner David Ellison takes over this network, the better," Hegseth said during a briefing at the Pentagon. Ellison, a technology heir with close ties to former President Trump and currently the owner of Paramount Skydance, is leading an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Group, which includes CNN. The deal requires approval from the Trump administration. Hegseth made these comments while extensively criticizing coverage related to the Middle East conflict. His words have heightened worries within CNN and across the media industry that Ellison might steer the network's reporting in a more pro-Trump direction. Ellison's spokesperson declined to comment on Friday. Last week, Ellison told CNBC that CNN is "an exceptional brand with an outstanding team," adding, "Editorial independence will absolutely be maintained. CBS has done it, and CNN will too." Ellison acquired CBS last year and appointed commentator Barry Weiss, known for her critical views of traditional media, as the editorial director of CBS News. Weiss has faced criticism from liberals and some CBS journalists, particularly after she delayed the broadcast of a "60 Minutes" segment critical of the Trump administration. Weiss has stated that she acts independently. Hegseth has expressed strong disdain for mainstream media; he has significantly reduced journalists' access to the Pentagon and recently banned photographers from his briefings. However, Hegseth agreed to an interview with CBS News, which aired on Sunday's "60 Minutes" program—an appearance that Weiss helped arrange. It remains unclear what role Weiss might play if Ellison acquires CNN. Possibilities include advising on the channel's editorial stance and programming decisions, or Ellison may choose to have her focus solely on CBS News. A logical outcome after the acquisition could be the integration of CBS and CNN's operations. Trump's stance toward Ellison's media assets has been inconsistent. The former president has referred to Ellison and his father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, as "friends" who would "do the right thing" with news assets. However, he has also accused "60 Minutes" of treating him "much worse" after the so-called "acquisition." Hegseth, a former weekend co-host of "Fox & Friends," made his comments about Ellison after dismissing what he called "fake news from CNN." He referenced a report claiming that the administration underestimated the potential impact of military action against Iran on the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway responsible for 20% of global oil shipments. The Defense Secretary described the claim as "obviously utterly absurd." CNN responded on Friday, stating, "We stand by our reporting."