Trump Demands Netflix Fire Board Member Rice Amid DOJ Review of Warner Bros. Discovery Deal
- President Donald Trump has called for Netflix to remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, escalating a political dispute surrounding the streaming giant’s proposed acquisition of Warner...
- Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor, as a “purely political hack” lacking “talent or skills.” He warned Netflix to “pay the consequences” if it does...
- Rice’s comments, made during an interview on the “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast hosted by former U.S.
President Donald Trump has called for Netflix to remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, escalating a political dispute surrounding the streaming giant’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The demand, made via Trump’s Truth Social account on , stems from comments Rice made on a recent podcast regarding potential corporate accountability should Democrats regain power in the November midterm elections.
Trump characterized Rice, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor, as a “purely political hack” lacking “talent or skills.” He warned Netflix to “pay the consequences” if it does not comply with his demand. The former president’s post included a screenshot of a reaction to Rice’s podcast appearance from political activist Laura Loomer.
Rice’s comments, made during an interview on the “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast hosted by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, suggested that corporations and law firms that previously aligned themselves with Trump may face repercussions if Democrats return to power. She argued that such deference to Trump was unpopular and that a shift in accountability was likely. “There is likely to be a swing in the other direction, and they are going to be caught with more than their pants down,” Rice stated, adding that these entities would be “held accountable by those who come in opposition to Trump and win at the ballot box.” She cautioned that corporations expecting leniency from a future Democratic administration were likely to be disappointed.
Rice previously served on Netflix’s board from 2018 to 2021 and rejoined in 2023 following her departure from the Biden administration. Her return to the board coincided with a period of significant strategic change for Netflix, including an increased focus on mergers and acquisitions.
Trump’s intervention adds another layer of complexity to Netflix’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery. The proposed $72 billion deal, which would not include WBD’s cable networks like CNN, is currently under review by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assess its potential impact on competition. The DOJ is reportedly examining how previous Netflix acquisitions have affected competition for creative talent, as well as whether the company employs anticompetitive tactics in negotiations with independent content creators.
The timing of Trump’s demand is particularly noteworthy given the emergence of a competing bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile takeover bid, offering WBD shareholders $30 per share in an all-cash deal. This has created a bidding war, with both Netflix and Paramount Skydance vying for control of the media conglomerate.
Trump’s earlier statements regarding the deal have been somewhat ambiguous. He initially indicated he would be involved in the DOJ’s review, but later stated he would allow the agency to “handle” the matter. This shift in position suggests a potential willingness to influence the outcome of the acquisition, even if indirectly.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence last month that the company would secure regulatory approval, arguing that the deal is “pro-consumer… pro-innovation, pro-worker.” However, the DOJ’s scrutiny and Trump’s public demand for Rice’s removal introduce significant uncertainties into the process.
The DOJ’s investigation extends beyond the overall competitive landscape. Bloomberg reported that the agency is also examining whether Netflix leverages its market position to disadvantage independent filmmakers and content creators during programming acquisition negotiations. This suggests a broader concern about Netflix’s business practices and its potential to stifle competition within the entertainment industry.
The situation highlights the increasing intersection of politics and big tech, particularly in the context of high-profile mergers and acquisitions. Trump’s intervention underscores the potential for political pressure to influence regulatory decisions and shape the future of the media landscape. The outcome of the DOJ’s review, and Netflix’s response to Trump’s demand, will be closely watched by industry observers and regulators alike.