In another turn of events, US President Donald Trump has changed his mind about the growing conflict between Netflix and Paramount Skydance regarding their attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Because of its potential to change Hollywood studio operations, Trump had previously declared his intentions to get involved in this ordeal last December.

However, Trump has now made it clear that he would rather sit this one out and let the US Department of Justice handle it.

Donald Trump declared in his NBC Nightly News interview that he would not take part in the business battle between the two companies, and he would let the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and antitrust regulators examine the competing bids. Trump now holds a position that goes against his previous belief from last year, when he suggested he might determine which deals would receive approval based on market share and media control concerns. 

“I haven’t been involved. I guess I’m considered to be a very strong president. I’ve been called by both sides. It’s the two sides, but I’ve decided I shouldn’t be involved. The Justice Department will handle it," Trump told NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas on Wednesday.  

Back in December 2025, Trump acquired up to $1 million in corporate bonds from both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery soon after thier $83 billion merger was announced. The President now explained that neither Netflix nor Paramount should expect him to become involved in their dispute while acknowledging the intense conflict between the two bidders.

“There’s a theory that one of the companies is too big and it shouldn’t be allowed to do it, and the other company is saying something else. They’re beating the hell out of each other — and there’ll be a winner," the President told the outlet, steering clear of the  Netflix–Paramount war over Warner Bros Discovery deal.

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Despite Trump’s decision to stay on the sidelines, several regulatory factors continue to reshape the future of the ginormous deal that could change the entertainment industry.

The bidding war started after Netflix declared its agreement worth approximately $82.7 billion to buy Warner Bros. film and TV studios and HBO and HBO Max, following WBD's choice to accept Netflix's bid instead of Paramount's competing offer. Paramount Skydance made a hostile offer of $108.4 billion to purchase the complete company, which included its cable networks' rights, thus creating a dangerous bidding conflict.

Warner Bros. Discovery's board has publicly supported the Netflix agreement, while it rejected the Paramount bid because it lacked both financial security and trustworthiness. This left Paramount with no choice but to pursue different aggressive business strategies to advance its case. 

However, regulatory obstacles continue to haunt Netflix's case. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and possibly the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are currently examining the acquisition. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other critics warned that the streaming deal between Netflix and its partners would result in higher consumer prices while reducing available options. 

Meanwhile, the executives at Netflix, CEO Ted Sarandos in particular, testified before the US Senate, arguing that a combined Netflix–Warner Bros. would benefit creators and consumers alike by providing more choices through strengthening Netflix’s slate. Trump, no longer getting involved in this bidding battle, would in all probability be favorable to the streaming titan.

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What are your thoughts on Donald Trump staying out of the bidding war? Let us know in the comments.