A former top official in the Trump Administration, Makan Delrahim, is in advanced talks to join the newly merged Paramount Global in a major legal role, according to sources with direct knowledge.
Delrahim, who served as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice during President Trump’s first term, has become one of David Ellison’s key advisors over the last few years.
Since leaving government, Delrahim has been a partner at Latham & Watkins, where he leads the firm’s global antitrust and competition practice — and was a key advisor on the $8.4 billion Skydance-Paramount merger.
Given Delrahim’s deep experience as Trump-era antitrust chief, his appointment could signal that Paramount is gearing up for more blockbuster transactions.
Over the last month, reports have intensified that Ellison — now fully in control post-Paramount merger — could pursue an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The possible deal would face steep antitrust hurdles from the DOJ and FTC — including concerns over reduced competition in news, film, and streaming markets — and Delrahim would be poised to address such challenges. .
Paramount declined to comment.
