AT A GLANCE
• President Donald Trump publicly demanded Netflix remove board member Susan Rice
• Trump warned the company would face “consequences” if it refuses
• The remarks come as Netflix seeks approval for its proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery
• The deal is currently under review by the U.S. Department of Justice
• The dispute raises questions about political pressure on corporate governance
Trump Demands Netflix Fire Susan Rice as $83 Billion Media Merger Faces Federal Review
Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove former U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice from its board of directors, warning the streaming giant it will “pay the consequences” if it does not comply.
The demand came in a post on Trump’s Truth Social account Saturday, escalating tensions between the president and one of the nation’s largest entertainment companies.
“Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences,” Trump wrote. “She’s got no talent or skills – Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what??? Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Trump’s remarks followed comments Rice made earlier this week during an appearance on former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s podcast.
Rice Criticizes Corporations That ‘Take a Knee’
During the interview, Rice criticized corporations she believes have aligned themselves too closely with the Trump administration.
“It is not going to end well for them,” Rice said. “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, who has served under the Clinton, Obama, and Biden administrations, most recently stepped down as President Joe Biden’s domestic policy adviser in May 2023. She first joined Netflix’s board in 2018, departed while serving in the Biden administration, and rejoined in 2023. She currently serves on the company’s governance committee.
Trump’s response framed her board role as political rather than professional, accusing her of bias and questioning her compensation.
Related: Trump Angered by Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
Merger Under Federal Review, Activist Pressure, and Merger Tensions
Far right political activist Laura Loomer, who has described herself as a “loyalty enforcer” for Trump, amplified criticism of Rice on X, labeling Netflix “Anti American” over her remarks. Loomer also condemned a potential Netflix and Warner Bros merger.
That criticism comes as Netflix navigates a high stakes corporate transaction. The company has an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $83 billion, a deal that would significantly reshape the entertainment industry by consolidating major streaming, film, and television assets.
That transaction is currently under review by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential antitrust concerns.
However, Warner Bros. Discovery recently opened negotiations with Paramount, raising questions about whether a revised deal could emerge. The proposed transaction remains subject to federal antitrust review.
Although Trump has previously said he should not be involved in the merger process, the timing of his public ultimatum has drawn attention given the deal’s regulatory sensitivity.
While Trump did not directly reference the merger in his demand, observers note that federal regulatory approval remains critical to the deal’s future. The timing has sparked debate about whether the president’s comments could influence, or be perceived as influencing, regulatory outcomes.
Corporate Governance and Political Pressure
As of publication, Netflix has not issued a response to Trump’s post.
The episode underscores broader questions about the intersection of political power and corporate governance. Critics argue that direct threats tied to board composition could create pressure points for companies navigating federal oversight. Supporters of Trump, meanwhile, characterize the move as a response to what they see as partisan influence within major corporations.
With an $83 billion media merger under scrutiny and a president publicly targeting a board member, Netflix now finds itself at the crossroads of business strategy and national politics.
