US President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Netflix remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, or face unspecified “consequences.” The president’s call came as the streaming giant and rival Paramount Skydance compete to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that has ignited political tensions alongside a fierce corporate bidding war.
Trump’s attack adds an unusual political twist to one of Hollywood’s biggest acquisition battles, raising questions about presidential influence, corporate governance and the intersection of politics and business.
Who is Susan Rice?
Susan Rice is an American diplomat and political figure with a long career in government. She served as US Ambassador to the United Nations and later as National Security Advisor in the administrations of President Barack Obama. Rice also held a senior role in the Joe Biden White House before joining the Netflix board.
Rice rejoined Netflix’s board in 2023 after a prior term, bringing her experience in national security and diplomacy to one of the world’s largest streaming companies.
Why is Trump Calling for Susan Rice’s Removal?
The clash began after Rice appeared on a podcast where she discussed how companies and institutions that aligned too closely with Trump might be held accountable if Democrats return to power. On the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, she warned that businesses and organizations might not simply be excused for decisions made during Trump’s era. “They’re going to be held accountable,” Rice said. “If they think Democrats are going to play by the old rules … they’ve got another thing coming.”
Trump, reacting on his social media platform Truth Social, accused Rice of being politically biased and demanded that Netflix fire her. “Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences,” he wrote. “She’s got no talent or skills – Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what???”
The president also reposted a message from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who criticized Rice and urged Trump to intervene in the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal.
The Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Context
Netflix is currently pursuing an $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the storied entertainment company behind major franchises and networks. The deal remains under early antitrust review by the US Department of Justice, and could face regulatory hurdles before it is finalized.
At the same time, Paramount Skydance has launched a rival bid valued at nearly $108 billion, intensifying the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount’s offer recently cleared a major antitrust waiting period, positioning it as a strong competitor.
Trump’s outspoken opposition to Rice’s role, coming in the midst of these negotiations, raises speculation about whether political considerations are influencing his stance on the merger. Although Trump previously said he would not involve himself in regulatory decisions about the deal, his latest comments have complicated the situation.
Reaction From Netflix & Others
Netflix has not publicly commented on Trump’s demand or on Rice’s board role. The company is reportedly focused on completing the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery and resolving competition questions with regulators.
Industry experts say the president’s remarks blur the line between government and corporate governance. Critics argue that forcing a private company to remove a board member over political disagreements challenges norms of corporate independence.
Supporters of Trump’s position frame the issue as part of broader cultural and political debates over media influence and perceived bias in corporate leadership.
What Did Susan Rice’s Comments Actually Say?
Rice’s remarks were targeted at corporations that had “taken a knee” to Trump — meaning those she believes accommodated or supported his priorities. She said that if Democrats return to power, they could implement what she described as an “accountability agenda” to challenge corporate behaviour.
Her comments did not refer directly to Netflix’s merger strategy, but she used the broader political context to warn about possible future legal and political scrutiny for companies and institutions.
Why This Matters?
The controversy illustrates how corporate leadership, political expression and major business deals can intersect in unpredictable ways. Trump’s demands put pressure on Netflix at a critical moment in one of Hollywood’s biggest acquisition battles, while raising broader questions about political influence on private corporations.
For now, Netflix has not responded publicly to calls to fire Rice, and there has been no indication that the board will take action. The dispute remains part of a wider narrative involving media consolidation, antitrust scrutiny and political partisanship.
