Trump Targets Netflix-Warner Bros. Mega-Deal Over Market Share
If the agreement proceeds as proposed, the acquisition would grant Netflix control of HBO Max, in addition to Warner Bros. studios.
RMN Stars Business Desk
New Delhi | December 8, 2025
President Donald Trump has expressed concerns regarding the proposed multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. by the streaming giant Netflix, citing the potential for market dominance due to Netflix’s already significant market share. The US president, speaking on Sunday (December 7), warned that Netflix already commands substantial power in the sector and possesses “a very large market share,” arguing that this consolidation “could be a problem”.
Amid reviews by federal authorities regarding the nearly $83 billion deal and accompanying antitrust worries from Hollywood, Trump indicated that the White House would be tied to the decision, stating, “I’ll be involved in that decision”.
If the agreement proceeds as proposed, the acquisition would grant Netflix control of HBO Max, in addition to Warner Bros. studios. This would also place world-famous franchises under Netflix’s possession, including the Harry Potter saga, the Lord of the Rings, and DC Studios’ superheroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Furthermore, the streamer would gain ownership of classic titles ranging from Casablanca and Citizen Kane to the recent box-office hit Barbie. However, the deal excludes Warner Bros.’ linear television channels such as Discovery and CNN, which are slated to be separated from the company before the sale is finalized.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced its openness to a sale in October after fielding multiple unsolicited bids. Netflix secured the deal ahead of rival interest from Comcast and Paramount Skydance. Paramount Skydance is led by David Ellison, a figure known to be a major supporter of Trump.
Despite his serious reservations about the market implications of the takeover, Trump offered praise for Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, whom he recently met at the White House, asserting that Sarandos has “done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies”.
