Trump: Netflix should fire Susan Rice, or pay consequences

Trump: Netflix should fire Susan Rice, or pay consequences

Trump Calls for Netflix to Remove Susan Rice, Citing Political Backlash and Financial Risks

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, warning of "consequences" if the streaming giant does not comply. The controversy stems from Rice's appointment in March 2026, which has sparked a boycott movement among conservative Americans, particularly Trump supporters, who criticize her role in the Obama administration.

Rice, former U.S. National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador, faced scrutiny during the 2012 Benghazi attacks for her initial characterization of the violence as protest-related rather than a premeditated terrorist act. She later corrected the statement, but critics, including Trump, have long accused her of dishonesty. Last year, Trump alleged without evidence that Rice sought to leak the identities of his administration officials in an intelligence report.

The backlash intensified following Rice's board appointment, coinciding with Netflix's reported collaborations with former President Barack Obama, including a potential series and a Letterman show appearance. Social media users have since vowed to cancel subscriptions, using hashtags like #DeleteNetflix, while critics accuse the company of promoting "propaganda".

Financially, the controversy has impacted Netflix's stock. Shares fell 4% to $288.17 following the appointment, with traders noting increased volatility amid the public outcry. The company, which serves 117 million global subscribers (nearly half in the U.S.), has not commented on the backlash beyond CEO Reed Hastings' statement lauding Rice's "integrity and insight".

While Netflix has weathered prior controversies, including a Brazilian boycott over a fictional corruption series, the political polarization surrounding Rice's appointment highlights risks for companies entangled in partisan debates. Analysts will likely monitor subscriber trends and stock performance closely in the coming months.

As of February 2026, no formal action has been taken against Rice, and the situation remains unresolved.