TRUMP SAYS NETFLIX-WARNER BROS DEAL MAY BE A ‘PROBLEM,’ PLEDGES ROLE IN APPROVAL PROCESS. (PHOTO).

 Trump says Netflix-Warner Bros. deal may be a ‘problem,’ pledges role in approval process

President Donald Trump on Sunday raised concerns about Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, calling it a potential “problem” due to the combined company’s sizable market share. Including Warner Bros.’ debt, the deal’s value exceeds $82 billion.

Under the agreement, Netflix would acquire Warner Bros.’ film studio, HBO, and the streaming service HBO Max, gaining access to decades of movies and television shows in Warner Bros.’ archives. Cable networks such as CNN and TNT are not part of the deal. Trump expressed uncertainty about whether the merger would gain approval, noting Netflix’s current dominance in streaming and the significant boost the company would gain by adding Warner Bros. content. He said he plans to consult economists and be personally involved in the approval process, a move that is unusual for a sitting president.

Netflix has more than 300 million subscribers, and HBO Max ranks slightly lower in streaming subscriptions. Because neither company owns broadcast stations, the Federal Communications Commission would not be involved, though the Department of Justice’s antitrust division may review the merger. International regulators, including the European Commission, will also likely weigh in.

Trump confirmed he met with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos last month to discuss the deal. He described Sarandos as “fantastic” and said no promises were made during their Oval Office meeting. The president compared Netflix’s expansion to Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, which faced no federal challenge during the Biden administration.

Trump also referenced his prior involvement in approving Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance, which required negotiations over diversity programs and an agreement to contribute to his future presidential library. Industry analysts note that Netflix may argue it competes with platforms like YouTube, which is frequently cited as the most-used streaming service in the U.S. The deal has also drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who called it an “anti-monopoly nightmare.”