Trump warns Netflix of ‘consequences’ unless it pulls top Democrat from board | Netflix
Donald Trump has told Netflix to remove Democratic foreign policy expert Susan Rice from its board or “face the consequences” as streaming platform Warner Bros is locked in an extraordinary corporate battle for control of Discovery (WBD).
In comments published on the Truth Social platform, the US president described Rice, who served as Barack Obama’s national security advisor and UN ambassador and White House advisor under Joe Biden, as a “political hack” and accused her of “lacking talent or skill.”
Trump’s comments herald a new intervention just weeks into the takeover battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance for WBD’s studios and streaming businesses. promise not to interfere.
In an interview with NBC News in early February, he said the justice department would handle the takeover of WBD, having previously insisted he would be involved in reviewing the deal. Any acquisition of WBD would need to be approved by federal regulators.
But on Saturday, Trump wrote of Rice: “SHE IS OUT OF POWER AND WILL NEVER COME BACK. How much does she get paid and for what???”
Rice was a board member of Netflix from 2018 to 2020 before leaving during the Biden administration. He rejoined in 2023 and sits on the company’s nominating and governance committee.
Trump, who recently participated in a podcast, said that companies, law firms and news organizations loyal to Trump will be held responsible if the Democrats come to power again.
As part of his intervention, Trump reposted a post on
Trump’s latest comments come just days before Paramount Skydance is set to submit its best and final offer to WBD to compete with Netflix’s current bid.
Paramount, controlled by the billionaire Ellison family, sought to secure a $108.4bn (£80bn) takeover of WBD with a bid backed by a $40bn personal guarantee from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.
Under the Netflix deal, the streaming company’s vast library will take control of WBD’s prized assets, including Warner Bros., the studio behind series such as Harry Potter, Superman and Batman, as well as HBO, home to shows such as Game of Thrones, The White Lotus and Succession.
The tie-up between Netflix and WBD faced backlash from US politicians and entertainment industry figures; some have expressed concerns that the emerging media giant will control nearly half of the broadcast market.
Netflix has been approached for comment.
