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Netflix chief rejects Trump’s call to fire Susan Rice
Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos has dismissed President Donald Trump’s demand that the streaming giant remove former diplomat Susan Rice from its board, characterizing the issue as political rhetoric unrelated to the company’s business operations.
Sarandos addressed the matter while discussing Netflix’s tentative agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal reportedly valued at around $70 billion. The proposed acquisition has drawn scrutiny over potential antitrust concerns. Sarandos emphasized that the transaction is being handled as a standard corporate matter, overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice and regulatory agencies in Europe and other global markets. He said the deal is a business decision, not a political one, and downplayed Trump’s criticism as social media commentary.
Trump recently questioned Netflix’s expanding market share and, in a post on Truth Social, urged the company to remove Rice from its board or “pay the consequences.” His remarks followed statements by conservative commentator Laura Loomer, who alleged that Rice was advocating for political retaliation should Democrats regain control of the federal government.
Rice, speaking on a podcast hosted by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, warned that corporations that align themselves too closely with Trump should not expect leniency if political power shifts. She suggested that companies that compromise policies, principles, or legal standards could face accountability in the future.
The debate comes amid intensifying competition in the media industry. Paramount, owned by Trump ally Larry Ellison, is reportedly pursuing its own bid for Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets, including its film and television operations. Netflix has also allowed Warner Bros. Discovery additional time to continue negotiations with Paramount regarding a possible competing offer.
Sarandos has previously rejected accusations that Netflix operates with a left-leaning political bias, arguing that the company’s primary focus remains on competing in the streaming marketplace, where platforms like YouTube represent major rivals. Any final agreement for the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition would require approval from the Department of Justice, which has recently undergone leadership changes within its antitrust division as it reviews a wave of major media and technology mergers.
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