Trump demands Netflix fire Susan Rice as DOJ probes Warner deal

Trump demands Netflix fire Susan Rice as DOJ probes Warner deal

Trump Pressures Netflix to Remove Susan Rice Amid DOJ Scrutiny of Warner Bros. Deal

President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove Susan Rice, a former U.S. diplomat and current board member, or face "consequences," citing her recent criticism of corporations that aligned with his administration. Rice, who served as national security adviser under President Barack Obama and domestic policy chief under President Joe Biden, rejoined Netflix's board in 2023 after a prior stint from 2018 to 2021.

Rice's remarks, made during a podcast, warned corporations that "bending the knee" to Trump could lead to accountability if Democrats regain political power in the November midterms. Trump labeled her a "political hack" with "no talent or skills" and questioned her compensation. His intervention comes as Netflix seeks regulatory approval for its $72–$83 billion proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a deal excluding CNN and other cable networks.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating whether the merger could harm competition, including anticompetitive practices in content negotiations and the impact of prior Netflix acquisitions on creative talent markets. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has defended the deal as "pro-consumer and pro-innovation," while Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $30-per-share bid for WBD, challenging Netflix's offer.

Trump's stance has shifted; he initially stated the DOJ should handle the review independently but now appears to advocate direct corporate action against Rice. WBD shareholders are scheduled to vote on the Netflix deal on March 20.

Netflix has not commented on Trump's demand, and Rice remains on its nominating and governance committee. The outcome of the DOJ's antitrust review and the ongoing corporate rivalry for WBD will likely shape the streaming industry's competitive landscape in the coming months.

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