Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has addressed calls from President Donald Trump urging the company to remove Susan Rice from its board, emphasizing that the company’s pursuit of Warner Bros. assets is strictly business.
“A Business Deal, Not Political”
In an interview with the BBC, Sarandos dismissed the controversy, saying Netflix’s attempt to acquire parts of Warner Bros. Discovery is “a business deal… not a political deal.” He noted the transaction will ultimately be evaluated by regulators, including the U.S. Department of Justice and international authorities.
Trump’s criticism followed comments Rice made on a podcast about corporations aligning politically, prompting him to warn Netflix to remove her “or pay the consequences” in a social media post.
Sarandos downplayed the president’s involvement, remarking that Trump “likes to do a lot of things on social media.”
High-Stakes Media Battle
The political pressure comes as Netflix competes with Paramount Global for control of Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Netflix is reportedly seeking streaming and studio operations in what Sarandos described as a “vertical merger” that would expand the market rather than reduce competition. Paramount, by contrast, is pursuing a broader acquisition of the entire company.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s board recently granted Paramount a short window to improve its offer, with reports indicating a bid of at least $31 per share—higher than a previous $30 proposal submitted in late 2025.
Political Influence Concerns
Media analyst Peter Kafka described Trump’s demand as an “extraordinary use of power,” highlighting concerns that the White House could influence regulatory decisions tied to the merger, regardless of public statements to the contrary.
For Netflix, the outcome could reshape the entertainment landscape, potentially strengthening its studio pipeline and global streaming dominance—if regulators approve the deal.
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