Trump says Netflix will "pay the consequences" if Board member Susan Rice isn't fired

Trump says Netflix will "pay the consequences" if Board member Susan Rice isn't fired

Trump Pressures Netflix to Remove Board Member Susan Rice, Citing Political Tensions

Former President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix fire board member Susan Rice, a former U.S. National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador, accusing her of being a "political hack" and warning of "consequences" if she remains. The callout follows Rice's recent comments on Preet Bharara's podcast, where she warned corporations that aligning with Trump-era policies could lead to "accountability" if Democrats regain power.

Rice stated that companies which "took a knee to Trump" risk facing Democratic-led investigations and regulatory scrutiny, emphasizing that "they are going to be held accountable" by those who come in opposition to Trump and win at the ballot box. Trump responded on Truth Social, labeling Rice "racist" and "Trump Deranged", and questioning her qualifications and compensation. His post linked to a critique by far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who framed the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger—valued at $83 billion—as a threat enabling "Obamas' anti-Trump messaging".

The Netflix-Warner Bros. acquisition, currently under DOJ antitrust review, has drawn political scrutiny. Trump previously stated he would not intervene in the regulatory process but has since amplified criticism of the deal, which would create a streaming monopoly. Paramount Global, a rival bidder with ties to Trump allies like investor Larry Ellison, has also entered the fray.

Netflix has not commented on Trump's demands. Rice, who joined Netflix's board in 2021, has held senior government roles under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Her remarks on corporate accountability reflect broader concerns about political risk in business strategy, particularly as the 2026 midterms approach.

The incident underscores the intersection of corporate governance and political polarization, with high-stakes implications for regulatory approvals and investor confidence in media conglomerates. As the DOJ and Congress weigh antitrust and content-related concerns, the outcome of the merger battle—and Trump's influence—could shape the streaming industry's landscape.

(https://deadline.com/2026/02/trump-netflix-susan-rice-warner-bros-1236731945/): Deadline, Variety
(https://variety.com/2026/film/news/donald-trump-netflix-fire-susan-rice-warner-bros-1236669384/): Preet Bharara podcast, as cited in sources
(https://deadline.com/2026/02/trump-netflix-susan-rice-warner-bros-1236731945/): Deadline, Hollywood Reporter
(https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trump-netflix-fire-susan-rice-consequences-1236511628/): Truth Social post, cited in all sources
[引用越界:5]: Laura Loomer's X post, per Variety and Hollywood Reporter
[引用越界:6]: NBC News, Senate Judiciary Committee hearings
[引用越界:7]: Paramount's ties to Trump allies, per Deadline
[引用越界:8]: DOJ antitrust review timeline, Warner Bros. shareholder vote (March 20, 2026)