Trump calls for Netflix to remove Susan Rice, WBD deal still pending

LootboxPhobia · 2026-02-22T00:24:34+00:00

Trump has called on Netflix to remove Susan Rice from the board on social media, claiming her comments affect the company's image. Meanwhile, Paramount and Netflix are engaged in fierce competition for Warner Bros.' assets, with political ties becoming increasingly evident, and Trump publicly opposing Netflix's acquisition.

LootboxPhobia

2026-02-22 00:24:34

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Investing.com – U.S. President Donald Trump recently posted on Truth Social, calling for Netflix to remove Ambassador Susan Rice from its board, citing her recent comments supporting companies that could face consequences from the Trump administration.

Trump’s remarks came after activist Laura Loomer posted on X platform, highlighting Rice’s comments about “kneeling to the former president” regarding certain companies. Reports indicate Rice implied that if Democrats win the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, they will take action against such companies.

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This political friction occurs as Paramount Pictures and Netflix engage in a fierce bidding war over assets of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Currently, WBD management is reportedly leaning toward Netflix’s proposal. Unlike a full acquisition, Netflix’s deal focuses on WBD’s streaming services—including HBO Max—and its classic film and TV library. Key details of the proposal include:

Offer: $72 billion in all-cash for the studio and streaming business.
Enterprise value: approximately $83 billion, equivalent to $27.75 per share.

Trump Opposes Netflix Deal, Supports Paramount

In contrast, Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for the entire WBD. Paramount’s offer is $77.9 billion, with an enterprise value of $108 billion (including debt), or $30 per share. Reports suggest Paramount is prepared to raise its bid to $31 per share.

The political undertones of this deal are becoming increasingly evident. Paramount is backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, a well-known ally of Trump. This relationship is likely a reason for Trump’s public opposition to the Netflix acquisition. Trump has called Netflix an “anti-American awakening company” and pointed to its content agreement with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

Although management favors Netflix, pressure is mounting. Netflix recently granted WBD a seven-day window to renegotiate with Paramount, likely to appease shareholders worried that the board might forgo additional benefits by rejecting Paramount’s higher bid.

However, any final agreement faces significant challenges. The massive scale of Warner Bros. Discovery’s acquisition has attracted close scrutiny from global regulators. Even if shareholders approve, the deal could still face antitrust intervention risks.

This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. For more information, see our Terms of Use.

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