In a significant development for the global media landscape, former US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed concerns over the proposed multi-billion dollar merger between streaming titan Netflix and entertainment powerhouse Warner Bros. Discovery. His comments, made on Sunday, December 7, 2025, signal potential regulatory hurdles for the landmark deal.
Trump's Public Remarks on Market Dominance
Speaking to reporters on the red carpet before the 48th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, Trump highlighted the issue of market concentration. He pointed out that Netflix already commands a very big market share, and acquiring Warner Bros. would substantially increase it. "It could be a problem," the President stated, adding, "I'll be involved in that decision." These remarks represent his first public commentary on the transaction since it was announced.
Despite his antitrust worries, Trump also praised Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, whom he met the previous week in the Oval Office. He called Sarandos a "great person" who has done "one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies and other things." This nuanced stance suggests the administration's review may not be a foregone conclusion.
Deal Details and Competitive Landscape
The deal, valued at a staggering $72 billion, was confirmed on Friday, December 5. Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros. after the parent company separates its studios and HBO Max streaming service from its cable television networks. The agreement came after Netflix outbid rivals Paramount Global and Comcast in a move that surprised many Hollywood observers who had considered Paramount the front-runner.
The combined entity of Netflix and HBO Max would control approximately 30% of the U.S. subscription streaming market. However, Netflix has previously argued that the relevant market should include free, ad-supported platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, which would dilute its perceived share.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Political Connections
The transaction is anticipated to face intense scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice, which has reportedly already begun examining how the merger would solidify Netflix's dominance. A senior administration official confirmed last week that Trump's advisers, including White House staff, share concerns about the deal's scale.
This regulatory path is further complicated by Trump's personal relationships. He is known to be close with Paramount CEO David Ellison and his father, billionaire Larry Ellison. Paramount, which had sought to buy all of Warner Bros. Discovery, has publicly claimed its bid was the only one that did not raise antitrust flags. Analysts suggest Trump could potentially influence antitrust enforcers to favor a deal with Paramount instead.
While Trump's comments raise serious questions about the deal's approval process, they stopped short of an outright condemnation, leaving the door open for negotiations and concessions. The coming months will see rigorous review as regulators weigh the benefits of industry consolidation against the risks of reduced competition.
