White House Weighs In: Trump Flags "Problem" with Netflix's $72 Billion Warner Bros. Acquisition Due to Market Share Concerns

The White House signaled possible concerns on Sunday regarding Netflix’s planned $72 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, with President Donald Trump suggesting that the size of the combined company could raise issues. Trump commented that Netflix’s move to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery “might pose an issue,” pointing to the major market share the merged company would hold.
While speaking with reporters during the Kennedy Center Honors event, the President said he expects to be directly involved in the decision over whether federal regulators authorize the deal.

If the transaction receives approval, it would bring together two globally recognized streaming and entertainment operations. The deal would align Warner’s major film and television businesses—including DC Studios, the “Harry Potter” franchise, and the HBO Max platform—with Netflix’s extensive catalog and production resources.

The President acknowledged that the proposal, which could significantly reshape the entertainment landscape, would still need to move through the regulatory steps required for such transactions. He also described Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos as an “excellent person” who has delivered “remarkable results” and achieved “one of the most impressive accomplishments in modern film.” Trump mentioned that he had met with the CEO in the Oval Office just one week before the merger became public on December 5.

Despite his respect for the executive and the company’s achievements, the President emphasized his reservations. He repeatedly pointed to the level of market concentration the partnership could create, questioning whether regulators should allow Netflix to absorb such a major Hollywood company. According to reports, Sarandos did not indicate whether he believed the deal would ultimately proceed. Trump concluded his remarks by underscoring his antitrust concerns, saying that the matter “could be a problem.”