Donald Trump Tells Netflix to Cut Susan Rice or “Pay the Consequences” Ahead of $83B Deal

Published 02/21/2026, 7:31 PM CST

Netflix has never been short on drama, but imagine a showdown where boardroom power moves collide with political firestorms. Former UN ambassador Susan Rice suddenly became the star of headlines, after a single X post turned her into the lightning rod of a billion-dollar corporate clash.

The world watches as Netflix navigates ambitions, ambitions of power, and threats from unexpected corners, hinting at a high-stakes drama that is not about content, but who sits at the table.

While billion-dollar deals swirl and executives sharpen their pens, one political titan is issuing ultimatums louder than a Hollywood trailer, proving mergers are more gladiator match than corporate chore.

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Netflix under pressure as Donald Trump targets Susan Rice ahead of merger

Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove Susan Rice or face consequences.

“Netflix should fire r-----, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. His statements put the $83 billion merger into a stage for political theater and power posturing.

Trump’s outrage on Truth Social erupted after Susan Rice’s podcast comments suggested that a winning Democratic administration could hold companies accountable for past shortcuts, firings, or regulatory slips. Her warning, though subtle, sent shockwaves through Netflix’s board, sparking political and financial anxiety.

Suddenly, what seemed like a routine corporate merger transformed into a high-stakes power struggle, exposing the streaming giant to scrutiny and making its billion-dollar ambitions feel precarious and under siege.

Warner Bros. Reassesses Netflix Deal After Paramount Sweetens Its Bid

While political ultimatums roar louder than a Hollywood premiere, regulators circle like hawks, hinting that Netflix’s billion-dollar ambitions may face more than just boardroom drama.

Netflix $83 billion Warner Bros. deal under political and legal spotlight

Since December 2025, Donald Trump has openly questioned Netflix’s $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Antitrust concerns surged as regulators examined whether the Netflix-HBO Max merger could crush competition.

Critics warn the deal risks limiting consumer choice and giving Netflix unprecedented control over Hollywood content. What seemed like a corporate move now feels like a high-stakes showdown testing the boundaries of market power and legal scrutiny.

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Tension escalated when Paramount Skydance countered with a $108 billion bid, turning the acquisition into a cinematic-style bidding battle. Executives worry Netflix’s theater-averse habits could weaken the creative ecosystem, while Trump’s ultimatums and Susan Rice’s podcast comments add political spice.

The merger now faces scrutiny from regulators, industry experts, and investors due to its potential impact on market competition, creative output, and Hollywood content distribution.

Inside Netflix’s Strategic Move to Refinance Its $59 Billion Warner Bros. Financing

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What are your thoughts on Netflix managing Donald Trump’s ultimatums, Susan Rice’s influence, and billion-dollar corporate maneuvers? Let us know in the comments.

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Shraddha Priyadarshi

1468 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having a portfolio of over 2,000 articles, she has covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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