Trump Issues Ultimatum to Netflix Over Board Member Susan Rice
Former US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark warning to Netflix, demanding the immediate removal of Democratic foreign policy expert Susan Rice from its board of directors or face unspecified "consequences". This dramatic intervention comes as Netflix is embroiled in a high-stakes corporate battle to acquire control of media conglomerate Warner Bros Discovery.
A Political Flashpoint in Corporate Warfare
In posts made on his Truth Social platform, Trump launched a fierce personal attack on Rice, who served as National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama and held senior roles in the Biden administration. He labeled her a "political hack" and questioned her qualifications, writing: "HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what???"
Rice currently sits on Netflix's nominating and governance committee, having rejoined the board in 2023 after an initial tenure from 2018 to 2020. Her recent comments on a podcast, suggesting corporations loyal to Trump could face accountability under a future Democratic administration, appear to have triggered the former president's ire.
The Takeover Context: A Multi-Billion Dollar Stakes
Trump's ultimatum arrives at a critical juncture in the contest for Warner Bros Discovery. Netflix is competing directly with Paramount Skydance, which is backed by the billionaire Ellison family, for control of the prized media assets. The Paramount bid, valued at approximately $108.4 billion, includes a personal $40 billion guarantee from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.
A successful Netflix acquisition would grant the streaming behemoth control over Warner Bros' iconic franchises, including Harry Potter, Superman, and Batman, alongside premium television network HBO, home to acclaimed series like Game of Thrones, The White Lotus, and Succession. This potential consolidation has sparked concern among US politicians and entertainment industry figures, who fear the merged entity could dominate nearly half of the streaming market.
Escalating Rhetoric and Regulatory Hurdles
Trump's intervention marks a significant escalation, coming just weeks after he publicly stated the Justice Department would handle the Warner Bros Discovery takeover review, seemingly stepping back from personal involvement. His recent social media activity included reposting content from right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, who accused Rice and Netflix of being "anti-American".
Any final acquisition deal will require approval from federal regulators, adding a layer of political complexity to the corporate maneuvering. With Paramount Skydance's final offer deadline imminent, the pressure on Netflix is mounting from both financial and political fronts. The streaming company has not yet issued a public response to Trump's demands regarding its board composition.
