Will Trump target Netflix–Warner Bros. merger?
Netflix, Warner Bros' lavish deal has to go through President Donald Trump’s desk before finalizing
Netflix’s colossal $83 billion move to acquire Warner Bros. has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
However, the mega-merger still has a major hurdle to clear on home turf: U.S. regulators, and ultimately, President Donald Trump, whose stance could decide the fate of the deal.
While Trump has yet to publicly comment, conversations around the streamer gaining outsized market power, by absorbing HBO Max and Warner Bros.’ massive studio operations, have already reached the White House.
Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are reportedly eyeing the merger with growing concern.
According to CNBC, a senior Trump administration official revealed that the White House holds “heavy skepticism” over the proposed consolidation.
The press office declined to offer further comment.
Meanwhile, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery maintain that they expect the transaction to close within 12–18 months, pending shareholder approval and regulatory sign-off.
The deal must undergo a full antitrust review by both the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, though FCC approval isn’t required, as no broadcast networks are involved.
Despite the scrutiny, Netflix executives remain unwavering in their optimism.
In an SEC filing, the streamer disclosed a $5.8 billion breakup fee, signalling its confidence that regulators won’t block the merger.
“We’re highly confident in the regulatory process,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told analysts. Calling the deal “pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker and pro-creator,” Sarandos emphasised that Netflix plans to work closely with U.S. and international authorities to secure every necessary approval.
Sarandos added that Netflix and Warner Bros. are “complementary” and “loved businesses”, a pairing the company insists will strengthen, not hinder, the entertainment landscape.
