Trump’s CNN war could affect decision on approving Time Warner-AT&T merger: report

President Trump’s aides have reportedly discussed the forthcoming merger between AT&T and CNN’s parent company as possible leverage amidst escalating tensions between the White House and the news network.

According to The New York Times, the Justice Department will ultimately approve the merger between AT&T and Time Warner, which was announced in October. The newspaper reported that analysts say there isn’t much in the way of stopping the deal, but the feud between Trump and CNN is “a wild card.”

{mosads}In an interview with the newspaper, CNN President Jeff Zucker did not comment on the merger but said he has not spoken about it with Time Warner’s chief executive.

“It’s not something I think about,” Zucker told The Times.

Tensions between CNN and the White House have escalated in recent weeks as the administration has conducted more off-camera briefings.

On Sunday, Trump tweeted an edited video from his WrestleMania appearance in 2007, in which he tackles and pummels an individual with the CNN superimposed logo over his face.