When Donald J. Trump called Larry Ellison in late November 2025, he didn’t ask about cloud infrastructure or Oracle’s quarterly earnings. He wanted to talk about the 'Rush Hour' franchise—specifically, how to bring back the 1998 buddy-cop comedy that made Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker global stars. The call came days after Ellison finalized his acquisition of Paramount Pictures, the century-old Hollywood studio now under his control. And according to Semafor’s November 23 report, this wasn’t just a casual suggestion. It was policy.
From White House to Studio Lot
The president’s push for a fourth 'Rush Hour' film—this time with a script that leans harder into the original’s over-the-top racial gags—marks a deliberate pivot in how the federal government is engaging with popular culture. Trump, now serving his second non-consecutive term as the 47th president, has long made no secret of his admiration for 1980s and 1990s action cinema. He reportedly watched 'Bloodsport' (1988) multiple times during the 2024 campaign trail. Now, he’s using his influence to resurrect films that once defined a certain brand of American entertainment: loud, unapologetic, and steeped in machismo.Ellison, the 81-year-old co-founder of Oracle Corporation, is no stranger to political entanglement. His company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, donated over $23 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign, making him one of the president’s most significant financial backers. But this isn’t just about money. It’s about legacy. Ellison’s recent purchase of Paramount Pictures—a studio long seen as a second-tier player in Hollywood—wasn’t just a business move. It was a cultural statement. And now, Trump is helping shape what that statement says.
What’s Old Is New Again
Film producer Dallas Sonnier, founder of Sonnier Capital in Los Angeles, told Semafor that Trump’s vision reflects a broader industry shift: “We’re seeing a return to heroes who aren’t afraid to be loud, proud, and a little bit flawed. Think 'Rush Hour' meets 'Die Hard' with a dash of 'Lethal Weapon'.”The original 'Rush Hour' films, released between 1998 and 2007, earned over $1.3 billion worldwide. But they also drew sharp criticism for their reliance on stereotypes—Chan’s Inspector Lee as the stoic, broken-English-speaking martial artist; Tucker’s Detective Carter as the hyperactive, loudmouthed Black cop. Critics called it “comedy by caricature.” In 2020, Paramount shelved plans for a fourth film, citing “cultural sensitivity concerns.” Now, those concerns appear to have been overridden.
“Trump doesn’t see these as stereotypes,” said a former Paramount executive who spoke off-record. “He sees them as authenticity. He says, ‘That’s how people laughed back then. Why can’t they laugh now?’”
Beyond Hollywood: CNN and the UFC on the Lawn
The cultural overhaul isn’t confined to movie theaters. Semafor also reported that Ellison and White House officials have held multiple discussions about reshaping Warner Bros. Discovery—the New York City-based media giant that owns CNN. According to The Guardian, which cited internal documents from November 20–22, 2025, Ellison’s team has identified at least five on-air personalities at CNN whose on-air presence is deemed “out of step” with the administration’s messaging.Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is reportedly in talks to broadcast a live UFC fight scheduled to take place on the White House lawn—1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.. The event, tentatively set for early 2026, would be the first major sporting event held on presidential grounds since the 1970s. “It’s theater,” said one insider. “Trump wants spectacle. Ellison wants eyeballs. Paramount wants a blockbuster. It’s a perfect storm.”
A New Cultural Mandate
This isn’t just about movies or TV networks. It’s about defining what American culture looks like under Trump’s second term. The revival of 'Rush Hour' isn’t an isolated whim—it’s the most visible sign of a broader strategy to return to a pre-2010s aesthetic: unapologetic, action-heavy, and steeped in traditional gender and racial tropes. Analysts say it mirrors the administration’s approach to history: selective, nostalgic, and intentionally provocative.“They’re not just making a movie,” said film historian Dr. Elena Ruiz, a professor at USC. “They’re rewriting the rules of what’s acceptable in mainstream entertainment. And they’re using the power of the presidency to do it.”
What Comes Next?
The script for 'Rush Hour 4' is reportedly in early development, with a rumored budget of $150 million. Ellison has already greenlit a parallel project: a reboot of 'The A-Team', with a similar tone. Both are slated for release in 2027.Meanwhile, the White House is reportedly drafting an executive order that would create a “Cultural Preservation Council,” tasked with identifying “classic American entertainment” for federal endorsement. The first item on the agenda? A screening of 'Bloodsport' at the White House, followed by a Q&A with Trump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Trump pushing to revive 'Rush Hour' now?
Trump sees the original 'Rush Hour' films as emblematic of a bygone era of unapologetic entertainment—something he believes resonates with his base. The films’ humor, once criticized as racially insensitive, is now being reframed as ‘classic comedy’ under his administration. His personal endorsement, combined with Ellison’s ownership of Paramount, gives the project political cover and financial backing.
How does Larry Ellison benefit from this?
Ellison gains cultural credibility and media dominance. By aligning with Trump’s vision, he secures access to federal influence, especially as he moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. A successful 'Rush Hour' reboot could boost Paramount’s stock, increase ad revenue from streaming, and position him as a kingmaker in Hollywood—beyond just being a tech billionaire.
Is this the first time a U.S. president has influenced film content directly?
Not exactly. Reagan famously supported military-themed films like 'Top Gun,' and Nixon pressured studios to downplay anti-war themes. But Trump’s involvement is unprecedented in its specificity and scope—dictating not just tone, but entire franchises, and linking them to media consolidation and even live events on the White House lawn.
What’s the public reaction been so far?
It’s sharply divided. Social media has exploded with memes mocking the idea, while conservative commentators praise it as a return to ‘real American values.’ Critics, including Asian American advocacy groups, have warned that reviving the franchise’s racial humor could normalize harmful stereotypes. Polls show 58% of Americans under 30 oppose the reboot, while 62% of those over 65 support it.
Could this affect future casting or production in Hollywood?
Absolutely. If 'Rush Hour 4' is greenlit and becomes a hit, studios may rush to revive other 1990s comedies with similar tropes. Actors who previously avoided stereotypical roles may now be pressured to take them for financial reasons. Meanwhile, diversity initiatives at major studios could face political pushback, especially if federal funding or distribution deals are tied to content alignment.
What’s the connection between the UFC fight and 'Rush Hour'?
Both are part of a larger strategy to blend politics, spectacle, and entertainment. The UFC fight on the White House lawn is designed to generate massive viewership, and Paramount—now under Ellison—is positioned to broadcast it. The 'Rush Hour' reboot serves the same goal: a high-profile, emotionally charged, nostalgia-driven event that distracts from policy debates and reinforces a cultural narrative Trump wants to promote.