Trump warns Netflix: Fire Susan Rice or face repercussions - AI News Today Recency

# Trump Warns Netflix: Fire Susan Rice or Face Repercussions

In a bold escalation of political pressure on Big Tech, President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix immediately remove Susan Rice from its board, threatening unspecified "consequences" amid the streaming giant's high-stakes merger talks with Warner Bros. Discovery.[1][2] The ultimatum, posted on Trump's Truth Social platform over the weekend, stems from Rice's recent podcast comments warning companies against aligning with Trump, igniting a firestorm at a critical time for Netflix's billion-dollar media negotiations.[1]

Trump's Fiery Ultimatum to Netflix and Its Timing

President Trump amplified a post by conservative activist Laura Loomer on Truth Social, labeling Susan Rice as "deranged" and demanding her ouster from Netflix's board, tying it directly to her role in executive compensation.[1] This comes as Netflix navigates antitrust scrutiny over its proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, raising questions about potential federal review interference.[1][2] Rice, a former national security advisor and U.S. ambassador under Presidents Obama and Biden, sparked the clash with remarks on the "Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara" podcast, where she cautioned corporations against "taking a knee" to Trump or skirting laws, predicting an "accountability agenda" under future Democratic leadership.[1][2]

Trump framed the demand as both political retaliation and personal grievance, highlighting how social media has become a battleground for clashes between political figures and corporate boards.[1] Netflix has not issued a public response, and Rice herself has remained silent as the story unfolds.[1]

Who Is Susan Rice? A Deep Dive into Her Controversial Career

Susan Rice brings a storied yet polarizing background to Netflix's board, with decades in Democratic foreign and domestic policy.[2] She served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor, roles that drew Republican ire, including accusations of misleading the public after the 2012 Benghazi attacks—claims later cleared by investigations.[2] Additional scrutiny came from Trump allies over her "unmasking" of senior Trump officials in 2016 related to a UAE crown prince's New York visit.[2]

More recently, Rice has been vocal against Trump, authoring a 2025 New York Times op-ed accusing his national security team of "reckless negligence" in handling sensitive matters via Signal.[2] Her podcast warnings about corporate fealty to Trump and potential Democratic backlash have now placed her squarely in the crosshairs, amplifying debates over boardroom politics in publicly traded companies.[1][2]

Netflix's High-Stakes Merger Under Political Fire

The timing of Trump's demand coincides with Netflix's precarious position in a billion-pound media negotiation, as the company eyes consolidation with Warner Bros. Discovery amid intensifying antitrust concerns.[1][2] Critics question whether this public pressure could sway federal regulators or spook investors, potentially derailing media industry deals in an era of heightened political scrutiny.[1] Mainstream reports describe this as an "unusually direct presidential appeal" to a major corporation, underscoring Trump's willingness to leverage his platform against perceived adversaries.[1]

As Netflix grapples with content wars and subscriber growth, the Rice controversy adds layers of uncertainty, blending corporate strategy with partisan warfare.[1]

Potential Repercussions for Netflix, Investors, and Media Landscape

Trump's warning of "pay the consequences" leaves open questions about repercussions, from regulatory hurdles to market backlash.[1] Investors may react warily to the politicization of board decisions, while the episode signals broader risks for media consolidation under divided government.[1] This clash exemplifies how former—and potentially future—presidents can influence corporate governance via social media, reshaping the interplay between politics and entertainment.[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Susan Rice, and why is Trump targeting her at Netflix? Susan Rice is a former U.S. National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador who served under Obama and Biden; Trump demands her removal from Netflix's board due to her podcast remarks warning companies against aligning with him, calling her "deranged."[1][2]

What did Susan Rice say on the podcast that provoked Trump? On the "Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara" podcast, Rice warned that companies "taking a knee" to Trump and skirting laws could face an "accountability agenda" if Democrats regain power, predicting they'd be "caught with more than their pants down."[1][2]

Is Netflix responding to Trump's demand to fire Susan Rice? As of the latest reports, Netflix has not publicly responded to Trump's ultimatum, nor has Rice commented.[1]

How does this relate to Netflix's merger with Warner Bros. Discovery? The demand comes amid Netflix's billion-dollar merger talks with Warner Bros. Discovery, which face antitrust scrutiny, potentially complicating federal reviews and investor confidence.[1][2]

What past controversies surround Susan Rice? Rice faced Republican accusations over Benghazi briefings (later cleared) and "unmasking" Trump officials in 2016; she has also criticized Trump in op-eds, including a 2025 piece on national security lapses.[2]

Could Trump's warning impact Netflix's business or stock? It raises risks of investor reaction, regulatory interference, and politicized media deals, though outcomes remain speculative amid ongoing negotiations.[1]