Trump Urges Netflix to Fire Susan Rice Amid DOJ Investigation into Warner Deal: A Call for Justice!
Former President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Netflix board member Susan Rice over the weekend, insisting that the streaming giant should either dismiss her or “pay the consequences.” Trump’s remarks followed Rice’s recent assertion that Democrats would demand corporate accountability if they regain power in the upcoming midterm elections.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump disparaged Rice, who previously held key roles in the Biden administration and served under President Barack Obama, labeling her a “purely a political hack” lacking in talent and skills. He declared, “HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK.”
Rice’s comments were made during a podcast appearance last week, where she warned corporations that had “bent the knee” to Trump. She forecast a political shift that could spell trouble for these companies. “It is not going to end well for them,” Rice told Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney. She implied that those who disregarded Democratic principles would face repercussions after the elections, stating, “They’re going to be held accountable by those who come in opposition to Trump and win at the ballot box.”
Rice, who has served on Netflix’s board since 2018, returned in 2023 after her tenure in the Biden administration. Meanwhile, a Netflix representative declined to comment on Trump’s tirade, and the White House has yet to respond to requests for a statement.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump shared a screenshot of a post from far-right activist and Trump supporter Laura Loomer, who condemned Rice’s comments as “anti-American” and urged Trump to impede the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger. Loomer also tagged Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, indicating her support for further scrutiny of the merger.
The comments from Trump come closely on the heels of his discussions with NBC News, where he stated that the Department of Justice would handle the Netflix-Discovery deal’s review. While Trump previously suggested he would be actively involved in the process, he now asserts he will step back.
Netflix is currently pursuing a $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, deliberately excluding the latter’s cable networks such as CNN. In a noteworthy development, rival studio Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile takeover bid for all of WBD, offering its shareholders $30 per share in cash. The DOJ’s review includes an investigation into whether the Netflix deal could stifle competition, as well as how past acquisitions might have affected creative talent dynamics.
Reports indicate the agency is scrutinizing Netflix’s negotiation tactics with independent content creators. However, Steve Sunshine, Netflix’s external counsel and head of the global antitrust practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, recently affirmed that they have not received any indication of an ongoing monopolization investigation. Netflix Chief Legal Officer David Hyman underscored that the company operates in a highly competitive landscape. He affirmed, “Any claim that it is a monopolist, or seeking to monopolize, is unfounded.”
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence in securing regulatory approval for the merger, highlighting that the deal is fundamentally beneficial to consumers, innovation, and workers.
As the political discourse intensifies, both Rice’s remarks and Trump’s response reflect the increasingly charged environment surrounding corporate accountability and market competition in today’s tumultuous landscape.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/22/trump-demands-netflix-fire-susan-rice-as-doj-probes-warner-deal.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-22 23:16:00
