Donald Trump threatens Netflix’s $83 billion Warner Bros. bid
The deal would hand Netflix an extensive library, featuring a wide range of titles such as the Harry Potter movies, the Lord of the Rings franchise, and DC Studios’ superhero content.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday hit out at Netflix’s bid to buy Hollywood studio Warner Bros., saying the streaming giant already has “a very large market share” and “that could be a problem.”
“I’ll be involved in that decision,” Trump said after arriving at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, referring to a decision facing federal regulators evaluating the nearly $83 billion deal that has sparked antitrust concerns and anger among Hollywood’s elite.
Trump also praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House, saying, “He’s done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.”
If Netflix were to be completed in its current form, it would absorb rival streaming platform HBO Max and Warner Bros. Studios, which has produced film classics including “Casablanca” and “Citizen Kane” for decades as well as recent blockbusters like “Barbie.”
The acquisition would give Netflix a vast catalog, including the Harry Potter films, the Lord of the Rings saga, and a wide range of content, including DC Studios’ superheroes—Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
But if the deal goes through, Netflix would not get television channels, such as Discovery and CNN, which would be spun off from Warner Bros. before the sale.
Parent company Warner Bros. Discovery officially put itself up for sale in October after receiving several unsolicited offers, beating out cable operator Comcast and media group Paramount Skydance.
Paramount head David Ellison is one of Trump’s key financial supporters.
