Discover how Larry Ellison and his son David rose to peak wealth, influence, and political power through tech, media, and bold alliances.
Table of Contents
The Ellison Dynasty: How Father and Son Rose to Wealth and Political Power
Introduction
At 81, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is not only one of the wealthiest people in the world but also a towering figure in business and politics. His influence stretches from Silicon Valley’s tech boardrooms to Washington’s power circles. Alongside him, his son David Ellison is carving his own path, transforming Skydance into a Hollywood powerhouse with major media acquisitions.
Together, the father-son duo have become central players in shaping the future of technology, media, and politics.
Larry Ellison: From Tech Titan to Political Insider
Larry Ellison built his fortune as a pioneer in database technology and chairman of Oracle Corporation. His company’s growth in cloud computing and AI has propelled him to the top of global wealth rankings, briefly surpassing Elon Musk as the world’s richest person.
But Ellison’s power extends beyond business. His political evolution—from a Clinton admirer to a strong ally of conservative causes—has amplified his influence in Washington.
- In 2020, Ellison hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.
- Oracle became a major player in the TikTok U.S. partnership deal, aligning with Trump’s national security agenda.
- By 2025, Ellison was regularly seen at the White House alongside global tech leaders to push AI infrastructure projects.
“Ellison has moved from a behind-the-scenes donor to an active political force,” said Terry Sullivan, a GOP strategist.
David Ellison: Hollywood’s Rising Power Broker
While Larry dominates in tech, David Ellison is building an empire in media. His production company, Skydance, has grown from making blockbuster films to acquiring some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The biggest move came in 2025, when Skydance successfully merged with Paramount Global after months of political scrutiny. The deal instantly positioned David as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood.
Key highlights of David’s rise:
- Acquired Paramount, gaining control of CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.
- Negotiated regulatory hurdles by promising to review CBS operations and roll back diversity programs.
- Built close ties with political figures, attending events with Trump despite his history as a Democratic donor.
Now, David is rumored to be eyeing additional acquisitions, including The Free Press and potentially Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns CNN.
The Father-Son Dynamic: Wealth Meets Influence
The Ellisons represent a rare dynamic: a father leading in tech and politics, and a son reshaping media and entertainment. Both are billionaires, both wield outsized influence, and both are intertwined with America’s shifting political and business landscapes.
Larry’s investments in AI, TikTok, and Trump-era policies align with national security and economic strategies. Meanwhile, David’s expansion into media ownership places him at the crossroads of journalism, entertainment, and politics.
This dual rise reflects how wealth and influence can transcend industries, creating a family legacy that rivals dynasties of the past.
FAQs
Q1: How did Larry Ellison become so wealthy?
Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation, which grew into one of the largest tech companies in the world. His fortune surged with Oracle’s cloud and AI expansion.
Q2: What is David Ellison known for?
David Ellison is the founder of Skydance Media. He gained prominence by producing blockbuster films and later acquiring Paramount Global.
Q3: Are Larry and David Ellison politically aligned?
Both have engaged in politics differently. Larry has become more aligned with Republican leaders, while David has historically supported Democrats but recently built ties with Trump.
Q4: What major deals have the Ellisons influenced?
Larry played a key role in Oracle’s TikTok U.S. partnership and AI ventures, while David spearheaded Skydance’s Paramount merger.
Q5: Could the Ellisons expand further into media or tech?
Yes. Reports suggest David may target The Free Press and Warner Bros. Discovery, while Larry continues pushing AI-driven projects.
Conclusion
Larry Ellison’s journey from Silicon Valley innovator to political insider, combined with David Ellison’s transformation into a Hollywood power player, marks the rise of one of America’s most influential dynasties.
Together, they symbolize the fusion of technology, media, wealth, and politics, shaping not only their industries but also the future of U.S. power structures.
The Ellisons’ story is far from over—and their next moves could redefine both business and politics on a global scale.