Trump Raises Competition Concerns Over Netflix–Warner Bros $72 Billion Deal

By SNN News

Washington, D.C.—December 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns over a proposed $72 billion deal that would see streaming giant Netflix acquire Warner Bros Discovery, warning that the merger could pose serious competition challenges in the global media industry.

Speaking at a public event in Washington, Trump said Netflix already commands a dominant share of the streaming market and argued that its influence would expand significantly if the acquisition is approved. He described the company’s growing market power as something that “could be a problem” for fair competition.

Under the proposed agreement, major entertainment franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings, and Looney Tunes, would move to Netflix’s platform. Industry analysts say this would further strengthen Netflix’s position as the world’s leading subscription-based streaming service.

Netflix began operations in 1997 as a DVD rental-by-mail business before evolving into a global streaming and production powerhouse. Analysts note that the deal would cement its leadership across both film production and online distribution.

However, the merger remains subject to regulatory approval. U.S. competition authorities, including the Department of Justice, are expected to closely examine whether the agreement violates antitrust laws by giving Netflix excessive control over the streaming market.

Trump also disclosed that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently visited the White House and praised his leadership. Trump, in turn, described Sarandos as highly capable, crediting him with doing “one of the greatest jobs in the history of the movie industry.”

Experts remain divided on the likelihood of the deal being blocked. Some argue that combining Netflix with Warner Bros’ HBO streaming business could reduce consumer choice and market competition. Others believe regulators may consider broader competition from cable television, broadcast networks, and digital platforms such as YouTube.

Blair Westlake, a former senior executive at Universal Studios, told the BBC that YouTube remains the world’s largest platform for content consumption, a factor that could weaken claims of Netflix’s market dominance.

Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of America has strongly opposed the merger, warning that it could result in job losses, lower wages, reduced content diversity, and higher prices for consumers. The union said the deal reflects the kind of corporate consolidation that antitrust laws were designed to prevent.

Netflix reportedly outbid major rivals, including Comcast and Paramount Skydance, to secure the agreement. The deal is expected to be completed after Warner Bros. finalizes a planned business split in the second half of 2026.

Despite mounting political and industry scrutiny, analysts believe the acquisition could still be approved, potentially with regulatory conditions or concessions.

Source: BBC News