Donald Trump demanded Netflix remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, threatening unspecified “consequences” if the streaming giant does not comply, escalating his intervention into the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The demand, delivered via a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, came days after he acknowledged he would “be involved” in the deal, only to later state he “shouldn’t be involved.” The shifting positions underscore the unpredictable nature of Trump’s engagement with the high-stakes media consolidation, even as he insists otherwise.
“Susan Rice is a very unpopular and failing executive who should be fired from Netflix immediately, or pay the consequences!” Trump wrote. The post followed a podcast appearance by Rice, where she reportedly stated that “elites” and “corporate interests” who accommodated Trump would “be held accountable” by those who oppose him and win elections, according to reports.
The White House released a financial disclosure report in January revealing that Trump purchased between $250,001 and $500,000 in Netflix bonds on December 12 and December 16, and a similar amount in bonds issued by Warner Bros. Discovery. The purchases occurred shortly after Netflix announced its $83 billion deal to acquire a majority stake in Warner Bros. Discovery.
While Trump lacks the direct authority to block the merger, which is also being pursued by Paramount Global, backed by Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, he could instruct Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch an antitrust investigation, potentially complicating the deal. Trump has previously signaled his expectation that Bondi would act on his behalf.
The potential for a Justice Department challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to the already complex situation. Netflix’s substantial market power would likely draw scrutiny from regulators regardless of Trump’s involvement, but his direct intervention raises the stakes considerably.
Trump’s actions echo past instances where he publicly pressured companies, demanding they take specific actions regarding personnel. Last summer, he called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, only to later praise him after a meeting and subsequently oversee a government investment in the company. He also previously demanded Microsoft fire Lisa Monaco, an executive with ties to previous administrations, a demand that was not met.
Netflix has not yet responded to requests for comment on Trump’s demand regarding Rice or her recent remarks. The company is navigating a delicate situation, attempting to secure regulatory approval for the merger while simultaneously managing the unpredictable influence of a former – and potentially future – president.
The merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery remains subject to regulatory clearance, and Paramount Global continues to pursue its own bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The outcome of these competing offers, and the extent of Trump’s continued involvement, remain uncertain.
