Trump Warns Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger May Face Regulatory Hurdles

URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump raised concerns about the potential regulatory challenges facing the $82.7 billion merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery. Speaking to reporters on December 8 from the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., Trump emphasized that the deal “has to go through a process,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding its approval.

The merger, which aims to consolidate Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros., including its film, television studios, and HBO Max, is set to undergo rigorous scrutiny from regulators. Trump’s comments come just two days after Netflix announced the deal, indicating that significant market share increases are at stake. “Netflix is a great company. They’ve done a phenomenal job,” Trump stated, while also noting, “It’s a lot of market share, so we’ll have to see what happens.”

When asked if Netflix should be permitted to acquire Warner Bros., Trump replied, “Well, that’s the question,” signaling his awareness of the potential implications of such a consolidation in the streaming market. He added, “They have a very big market share, and when they have Warner Bros., you know, that share goes up a lot.”

The anticipated completion of the merger is set for Q3 2026, following the planned separation of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Discovery Global into a new publicly traded company. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence in the deal, stating, “Our mission has always been to entertain the world.”

During the event, Trump praised Sarandos as a “fantastic man,” revealing that they met last week in the Oval Office to discuss matters related to the merger. While he did not divulge specific details of their conversation, he confirmed that no promises were made regarding the merger’s outcome. “He’s done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies and other things,” Trump remarked.

This merger’s implications extend beyond corporate interests, as Netflix currently boasts over 300 million paid memberships across more than 190 countries. The deal’s approval process will be closely monitored by industry experts and regulators alike, as it could reshape the streaming landscape.

As developments unfold, industry watchers and Netflix subscribers alike are left wondering about the future of this massive merger. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.