Trump demands Netflix fire Susan Rice as DOJ probes Warner deal

In a striking move, former President Donald Trump urged Netflix to terminate board member Susan Rice, threatening repercussions if they fail to act. This request followed Rice's comments suggesting that Democrats would demand corporate accountability if they regain power in the upcoming midterm elections. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, disparaged Rice—who previously served as domestic policy chief under President Biden and held significant foreign policy roles during Obama's administration—labeling her a "purely a political hack" devoid of talent. He stated emphatically, "HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK." Rice had recently expressed on a podcast that corporations, news organizations, and law firms that have aligned themselves with Trump would face unfavorable outcomes, asserting that a political shift is imminent. She warned, "There is likely to be a swing in the other direction, and they are going to be caught with more than their pants down," indicating that these entities will be held accountable by those opposing Trump who succeed at the polls. Having served on Netflix's board from 2018 to 2021, Rice rejoined in 2023 after her tenure in the Biden administration. A spokesperson for Netflix has yet to respond regarding Trump's remarks. This controversy arises as the Department of Justice examines Netflix's proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that notably excludes the company's cable networks, such as CNN. Trump previously indicated to NBC News that he would refrain from interfering in the DOJ's review of the deal. In a competitive twist, Paramount Skydance has initiated a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in an all-cash proposal. The DOJ's investigation is focused on potential impacts on competition stemming from Netflix's acquisition strategies and whether the streaming service employs anticompetitive practices in its negotiations with independent content creators. Despite the scrutiny, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence last month that the company would secure regulatory approval for the deal, emphasizing its benefits for consumers, innovation, and workers.