Trump warns of heightened streaming dominance
US President Donald Trump says the planned 72bn-dollar takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery by Netflix could create major challenges. He tells an audience in Washington that Netflix already holds a large share of the streaming market and that a merger of this scale could pose serious concerns. The companies announce on Friday that they reached an agreement to bring major Warner franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones to Netflix, forming a powerful new media group. The deal still needs approval from competition authorities. A media request to the firms and the White House receives no reply.
Netflix aims to strengthen its long-term strategy
Netflix grows from a DVD-by-mail service in 1997 into the world’s largest subscription streaming platform. The planned takeover, one of the biggest industry moves in years, would reinforce its leading position. The agreement would move major global titles such as Looney Tunes, The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings to Netflix. The companies expect the deal to close after Warner Bros completes a planned business split in the second half of 2026.
Regulators analyse potential antitrust risks
The US Justice Department’s competition division may argue that the merger breaks antitrust law if the combined firms dominate too much of the market. Trump says at the Kennedy Center that Netflix already holds a very large market share that would rise sharply if the takeover proceeds. He says he will take personal involvement in the approval process and repeatedly stresses Netflix’s growing influence.
Trump praises Sarandos’s leadership
Trump says Netflix co-chief Ted Sarandos recently visited the Oval Office and praises his impact on the company. He describes Sarandos as a respected figure who has delivered one of the most impressive achievements in modern film. Sarandos admits that the agreement may have surprised investors but says it positions Netflix for long-term success.
Analysts highlight key industry differences
Media executive Blair Westlake says in a radio interview that the central antitrust concern lies in the combination of Netflix with the HBO streaming business of Warner Brothers. He says Netflix does not operate studio production on Warner’s scale and that Netflix’s library remains much smaller. Westlake expects the deal to win approval but believes concessions will be required.
White House expected to steer key decisions
Bill Kovacic, a former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, says Trump’s comments suggest that the White House will guide the talks over any issues linked to the merger. He argues that this could create a level of presidential involvement not previously seen in a process once focused on technical merger analysis.
Netflix surpasses major rivals to secure the deal
Netflix beats competitors including Comcast and Paramount Skydance to reach the agreement with Warner Bros. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, earlier attempted to buy the entire company, including its cable networks. Warner Bros rejects that bid before placing itself on the market. David Ellison’s billionaire father, Larry Ellison, remains a close ally of Trump.
Writers’ unions call for regulators to block the takeover
The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches urge officials to stop the merger. They argue that the world’s largest streaming platform absorbing one of its strongest competitors contradicts the goals of antitrust law. They warn that the outcome would cut jobs, reduce wages, worsen working conditions, raise viewer costs and limit both the range and diversity of available content.
