Trump Attacks Netflix
President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Netflix on Sunday, commenting on mounting concerns over the company’s reported interest in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared commentary from One America News warning about the implications of the proposed merger, adding his own pointed message: “Stop the Netflix cultural takeover.”
The statement marked Trump’s most direct signal yet that he views the deal as problematic, as federal regulators continue reviewing the transaction.
DOJ Scrutiny Intensifies
The proposed merger is already under examination by the Department of Justice, where antitrust officials are assessing whether combining Netflix with Warner Bros. Discovery could significantly reduce competition in the streaming and entertainment marketplace.
If approved, the deal would unite the world’s largest streaming platform with one of the most valuable film and television libraries ever assembled, giving the combined company unmatched scale in both content and global distribution.
Industry analysts have cautioned that such consolidation could reshape the streaming landscape, potentially giving one corporation extraordinary influence over pricing, release strategies, and content availability.
Cultural and Market Power Concerns
Critics of the merger argue that a combined Netflix–WBD entity would hold a dominant share of premium scripted programming and major intellectual property franchises, placing smaller competitors at a significant disadvantage.
Those concerns were highlighted in the OAN commentary shared by Trump, authored by constitutional attorney John M. Pierce. In the piece, Pierce warned that the acquisition could consolidate cultural influence within a single corporate structure, raising questions about viewpoint diversity and long-term competition.
According to the commentary, Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets are more than commercial holdings — they are longstanding cultural institutions that have shaped American entertainment for generations.
Pierce also argued that excessive consolidation could reduce opportunities for independent filmmakers, discourage creative risk-taking, and weaken competition across film production, streaming, and theatrical exhibition.
Competing Bid Raises New Questions
Adding another layer to the debate is a reported rival offer from Paramount Skydance, backed by technology entrepreneur Larry Ellison and led by David Ellison.
According to reports, the Paramount-Skydance group submitted an all-cash proposal valuing Warner Bros. Discovery at approximately $108 billion, or about $30 per share — a valuation some analysts say exceeds Netflix’s reported offer.
Despite that, Warner Bros. Discovery’s board has continued discussions with Netflix, prompting questions from commentators about shareholder value and fiduciary responsibility.
The OAN analysis cited regulatory filings and reporting indicating that the competing bid was repeatedly rejected, fueling debate over why the Netflix transaction remains the preferred path.
Political and Regulatory Implications
Trump has previously spoken favorably about Paramount’s leadership under David Ellison, viewing it as a more balanced approach to media stewardship.
As the review process continues, pressure is mounting on regulators to treat the Netflix–WBD proposal as a major antitrust test. Some analysts estimate the combined company could control roughly one-third of the U.S. paid streaming market, while also possessing a content library that would rival or exceed all major competitors.
Beyond market share, critics are urging officials to consider broader issues, including competition for creative talent, long-term consumer choice, and the future of theatrical releases in an increasingly streaming-dominated industry.
Trump’s Truth Social post underscores that the Netflix–Warner Bros. Discovery merger is no longer viewed solely as a corporate transaction, but as a high-profile political and regulatory flashpoint with significant cultural and economic implications.
