In a significant intervention, former US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed apprehension regarding the landmark media deal that would see streaming titan Netflix acquire entertainment behemoth Warner Bros. Discovery. Speaking to reporters on Sunday while arriving for the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, Trump labelled the multi-billion-dollar proposal a potential competition problem.
Trump's Direct Warning on Market Power
The former president pointed directly to Netflix's existing stronghold in the streaming sector. He argued that the platform already commands a very large market share and that consolidating it further with Warner Bros. assets could be a problem. Crucially, Trump indicated his potential involvement, stating, I'll be involved in that decision, suggesting the White House could scrutinise the agreement closely.
These remarks arrive at a critical juncture as US federal authorities are already evaluating whether to greenlight the nearly $83 billion deal. The proposed acquisition has sparked significant pushback from within Hollywood, where fears of excessive market consolidation and antitrust violations are running high.
Praise Amidst Scrutiny and Deal Details
Interestingly, despite his caution on the deal itself, Trump offered generous praise for Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos. Referring to a recent meeting at the White House, Trump said Sarandos has done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.
If approved, the takeover would be transformative for the media landscape. Netflix would gain control of:
- Warner Bros. studios and its legendary film library, from classics like Casablanca to modern hits like Barbie.
- The HBO Max streaming service.
- Iconic global franchises including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and the DC Studios superhero stable (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman).
However, the deal notably excludes Warner Bros.' linear TV channels. Properties like Discovery, CNN, and other broadcast assets would be spun off and separated before any sale is finalised.
Background and Competing Interests
Warner Bros. Discovery announced its openness to a sale in October after receiving several unsolicited bids. Netflix ultimately emerged as the frontrunner, outmanoeuvring rival interest from media giants Comcast and Paramount Skydance. The latter is led by David Ellison, a businessman noted as a major supporter of Donald Trump, adding a layer of political intrigue to the proceedings.
The coming weeks will determine if this colossal deal, which promises to reshape entertainment consumption worldwide, can survive the dual challenges of regulatory scrutiny and high-profile political concern.
