Donald Trump Urges Netflix to Fire Susan Rice Amid Warner Bros Acquisition Battle

US President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove board member Susan Rice, warning the streaming giant to act “immediately, or pay the consequences,” in remarks that have added a political dimension to a major corporate acquisition battle in Hollywood.

His remarks came in response to comments Rice made during a recent podcast appearance, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

In a post shared on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote, "Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences."

The post included a screenshot of a message shared on X by political activist Laura Loomer, reacting to Rice's appearance on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast hosted by Preet Bharara.

Did Susan Rice say companies aligning with Trump acted in short-term self-interest?

During the interview, Rice spoke about corporations that she believes acted in short-term self-interest by aligning with Trump.

"For those that decided that they would act in their perceived very narrow self interest, which I would underscore as very short-term self-interest, and take a knee to Trump, I think they are now starting to realize, 'Wait a minute, this is not popular. Trump is not popular,'" Rice said, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Bharara added that there could be political consequences for such companies if electoral outcomes shift.

Rice also said, "There will be an accountability agenda. You know, companies already are starting to hear they better preserve their documents. They better be ready for subpoenas. If they've done something wrong, they'll be held accountable, and if they haven't broken the law, good for them," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

She further warned on the podcast that businesses and organizations might not simply be excused for decisions made during Trump’s era, saying, “They’re going to be held accountable. If they think Democrats are going to play by the old rules … they’ve got another thing coming.”

How did Laura Loomer react to the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger and Susan Rice’s remarks?

Loomer’s social media post referenced the “accountability agenda” remark and also criticised a potential Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, alleging that such a merger could create a streaming monopoly and tagging both Trump and FCC chairman Brendan Carr in her message.

She also criticised Rice and urged Trump to intervene in the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal.

Trump’s attack comes at a time when Netflix and rival bidder Paramount Skydance are competing to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, intensifying what is being seen as one of Hollywood’s biggest acquisition battles.

Netflix is currently pursuing an $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the storied entertainment company behind major franchises and networks, with the deal under early antitrust review by the US Department of Justice.

At the same time, Paramount Skydance has launched a rival bid valued at nearly $108 billion, and its offer has recently cleared a major antitrust waiting period, positioning it as a strong competitor.

Why did Trump say he would not intervene in the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal?

Earlier this month, amid the ongoing battle, Trump said he would not intervene in the matter. "I haven't been involved... I've decided I shouldn't be involved. The Justice Department will handle it," he said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Rice currently serves as a Netflix board member and rejoined the board in 2023 after a prior term, bringing experience in national security and diplomacy to the company.

She is an American diplomat and political figure who previously served as US Ambassador to the United Nations, National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, and Domestic Policy Advisor from 2021 to 2023 in the Joe Biden White House.

Trump’s outspoken opposition to Rice’s role, coming in the midst of the merger negotiations, has raised speculation about whether political considerations are influencing his stance on the deal.

His comments have also put pressure on Netflix at a critical moment, while raising broader questions about presidential influence, corporate governance, and the intersection of politics and business.

For now, Netflix has not responded publicly to calls to fire Rice, and there has been no indication that the board will take action.

(With inputs from ANI)