In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the media and political landscape, billionaire cable magnate and longtime CNN critic John Malone has publicly thrown his weight behind Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid.
The Liberty Media chairman, whose vast empire spans from Formula 1 to major cable networks, delivered a stunning endorsement of the former president while launching a blistering attack on the current state of CNN under CEO David Zaslav's leadership.
The Zaslav Critique: 'Massive Disappointment'
Malone, who holds significant influence through his seat on the Warner Bros Discovery board, did not mince words when assessing Zaslav's performance. "David has been a massive disappointment," he stated bluntly, pointing to the precipitous decline in CNN's ratings and credibility since the merger.
The media titan particularly criticized Zaslav's handling of the network's direction, suggesting the CEO had failed to articulate a coherent vision for the news organization beyond cost-cutting measures that have alienated both viewers and staff.
Trump Endorsement: Breaking from Media Elite
Malone's endorsement marks a significant departure from most media executives' stance toward Trump. "I think it's highly likely I will support Trump," Malone confirmed, citing economic concerns and global instability as primary factors in his decision.
This support extends beyond mere words. Malone revealed he would be willing to host fundraising events for the Trump campaign, providing crucial financial firepower at a time when the former president faces substantial legal expenses.
CNN's Credibility Crisis
The billionaire's comments underscore the deepening crisis at CNN, which has struggled to define its identity in the polarized post-Trump media landscape. Malone highlighted the network's sharp leftward turn under previous leadership and its failure to course-correct effectively under Zaslav.
"They've managed to alienate everyone," Malone observed, noting the network's attempts to appeal to progressive viewers had backfired while simultaneously driving away its traditional moderate audience.
Industry Implications
Malone's intervention carries particular weight given his position as one of the most influential figures in American media. His criticism of Zaslav raises questions about leadership stability at Warner Bros Discovery and potential strategic shifts ahead.
Industry analysts suggest Malone's comments could signal impending changes at the highest levels of the company, particularly if shareholder dissatisfaction with CNN's performance continues to grow.
The endorsement also represents a significant coup for the Trump campaign, providing legitimacy among business leaders who had previously kept their distance from the former president.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 election approaches, Malone's dual announcement—both a political endorsement and a corporate critique—highlights the increasingly blurred lines between media, politics, and corporate power in America.
The coming months will reveal whether other media executives follow Malone's lead in supporting Trump and whether Zaslav can survive the mounting criticism from one of his most important board members.
