US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed reservations about the potential acquisition of Hollywood giant Warner Bros. by streaming leader Netflix, stating he will personally be involved in the regulatory decision.
Trump's Direct Intervention in Mega-Deal
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, December 8, 2025, upon arrival at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, President Trump commented on the nearly $83 billion deal. He highlighted that Netflix already possesses "a very large market share" and suggested the proposed merger "could be a problem." The President explicitly stated, "I'll be involved in that decision," referring to the ongoing review by federal regulators who are weighing significant antitrust concerns.
Despite his caution, Trump lavished praise on Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House. The President commended Sarandos, saying "he's done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies."
What the Blockbuster Deal Entails
If approved in its current form, the acquisition would see Netflix absorb the competing streaming platform HBO Max and the legendary Warner Bros. studio itself. This would grant Netflix an enormous content library, including cinematic classics like "Casablanca" and "Citizen Kane," recent blockbusters like "Barbie," and major franchises such as:
- Harry Potter films
- The Lord of the Rings saga
- DC Studios superheroes (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman)
However, the deal is structured to exclude Warner Bros.' television channels. Networks like Discovery and CNN would be spun off from the parent company prior to the sale to Netflix.
Backdrop of a Major Media Sale
The move comes after Warner Bros. Discovery officially put itself up for sale in October 2025, following multiple unsolicited offers. Netflix's bid ultimately beat out competing interests from cable operator Comcast and media group Paramount Skydance.
It is noteworthy that Paramount's chief, David Ellison, is a major backer of President Trump, adding a layer of political context to the high-stakes media landscape battle. The deal has already sparked significant backlash within Hollywood, with elites concerned about further market consolidation.
