David Ellison to Attend Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address After Paramount Ups Warner Bros. Bid

David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, will attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on the evening of February 24, 2026, serving as the guest of Senator Lindsey Graham. This high-profile appearance follows closely on the heels of a significant business development, in which Ellison’s studio raised its takeover offer for Warner Bros. Discovery to $31 per share. The convergence of these events highlights the intersection of Hollywood's corporate maneuvering and the nation's political landscape during a pivotal moment for the administration. The revised bid for Warner Bros. Discovery marks a bold escalation in Ellison’s consolidation strategy, targeting the entirety of the global media conglomerate. By increasing the valuation to $31 per share, Paramount Skydance is aggressively positioning itself to absorb a vast library of intellectual property and production assets, a move that would dramatically alter the competitive dynamics of the entertainment industry. This financial push comes as major studios seek to stabilize and expand their reach in an evolving market, making the offer one of the most talked-about potential deals in recent memory. The decision to announce such a substantial offer just hours before a presidential speech suggests a calculated effort to maximize public and investor attention while the executive is in the national spotlight. Senator Graham’s confirmation of Ellison’s attendance on social media adds a layer of political significance to the evening’s proceedings. As the guest of a prominent Republican senator, Ellison’s presence among the dignitaries in the House chamber signals a potential alignment or, at the very least, a desire for dialogue with the current administration. For media executives, political engagement is often crucial, particularly when navigating the regulatory waters that inevitably accompany mega-mergers. Despite the public nature of these developments, representatives for Paramount Skydance have remained silent regarding the invitation and the increased bid, allowing the senator’s announcement and the market news to speak for themselves.