Netflix CEO Sarandos to visit White House for WBD deal talks: Report

netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will travel to the White House on Thursday for meetings regarding his company’s efforts to buy some of the stock. Warner Bros. Discovery While Paramount increases its rival’s offer, Politico reported Wednesday.

The reported visit is scheduled to take place five days after President Donald Trump demanded that Netflix immediately fire former Obama administration official Susan Rice from its board or “pay the consequences.”

A person familiar with the discussions told Politico that it is not yet clear whether Sarandos will meet with Trump during the visit.

Netflix declined CNBC’s request for comment on the report. Asked by CNBC to confirm the visit, the White House said, “We are not discussing private meetings that may or may not occur.”

The buyout fight over WBD, like many other business deals over the past year, is entwined with presidential politics.

Trump said weeks ago that he would stay out of a multibillion-dollar bidding war between Netflix, which wants to buy WBD’s studio and streaming brands, and Paramount, which wants to buy WBD’s entire business.

But Trump suddenly seemed to change course Real Social post On Saturday afternoon, he demanded Netflix fire Rice from its board of directors, calling her a “racist” and a “political hack.”

Trump was linked to an

One point was underlined in Loomer’s post: last podcast appearance Rice, who served in the Obama, Clinton and Biden administrations, predicted that companies and other institutions that appeased Trump would be held “accountable” once his political opposition returns to power.

WBD settlement proposals have raised antitrust concerns. The Department of Justice is investigating whether Netflix’s proposed deal would harm competition.

Other dynamics have fueled speculation that politics is part of the purchasing battle.

Paramount Skydance Son of CEO David Ellison Seer Its founder, Larry Ellison, is one of the richest men in the world and Republican mega donor.

David Ellison was the guest of Trump loyalist Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.R., during the president’s State of the Union address Tuesday night.

Paramount’s latest Warner Bros. release, WBD announced Tuesday. It said it had raised its offer for the company to $31 per share on an all-cash basis, which “could reasonably be expected” to exceed Netflix’s offer.

This is developing news. Please check back for updates.