James Johnson
From Silicon Valley to Hollywood and the White House, the Ellisons blend business acumen, media ambition, and strategic alliances to shape global power.
Larry Ellison, the 81-year-old Oracle chairman, remains at the apex of his wealth, influence, and political sway. A pioneer of database technology, Ellison has been a Silicon Valley mainstay for five decades, and his reach now extends far beyond enterprise software. Recently, he led a group of investors poised to acquire and oversee the majority of TikTok’s U.S. operations, a move solidified by a Trump executive order.
Ellison’s influence is both personal and familial. He is actively backing his son David Ellison’s ambitions to become a major media mogul. Earlier this year, Larry briefly surpassed Elon Musk as the world’s richest person, fueled by Oracle’s soaring AI-driven stock performance.
Political Evolution and Strategic Alliances
Ellison’s political journey reflects a strategic shift over decades. Once an admirer of Bill Clinton, he evolved from a discreet donor to prominent conservative supporter, aligning closely with Donald Trump in recent years. While he contributed to Marco Rubio’s 2016 campaign and maintained a centrist public stance for much of the 2010s, Ellison hosted a Trump fundraiser in 2020 and joined a White House advisory group to boost the economy during the pandemic.
Under Ellison’s guidance, Oracle became TikTok’s business partner in the U.S., addressing national security concerns while positioning the company at the center of high-stakes tech negotiations. Even amid Trump’s controversial policies and post-election disputes, Ellison navigated relationships with political figures pragmatically, balancing influence and discretion.
David Ellison: Hollywood Ambitions and Media Power
Larry’s influence extends into Hollywood through his son, David Ellison. In 2024, David’s Skydance acquired Paramount Studios, cementing his role as a major media executive. While navigating regulatory hurdles and political scrutiny, David strategically positioned Skydance to align with broader industry opportunities, including exclusive media rights for UFC events. Despite prior Democratic donations, David has been spotted with Trump at events, sparking speculation about political maneuvering.
Yet, David Ellison maintains that his priorities are media-focused rather than political. “We want to be in the truth business… looking at the 70% of the country that define themselves as center-left to center-right,” he told reporters, emphasizing a commitment to balanced, fact-based reporting. Skydance’s media ambitions include potential acquisitions of other major outlets, signaling the Ellison family’s growing influence in shaping narratives and cultural dialogue.
A Legacy of Influence
The Ellison story is one of strategic foresight, blending technology, media, and political leverage. Larry’s decades-long navigation of Silicon Valley, combined with his bold investments and advisory roles, have positioned him as a key player in both business and policy. Simultaneously, David’s Hollywood ventures expand the family’s reach into global culture and media.
Together, Larry and David Ellison exemplify a new generation of multifaceted power: one where wealth, innovation, and strategic alliances intersect to influence not just markets, but politics and media narratives on a global scale.
