Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Sunday, Trump warned that Netflix’s already substantial market share could grow even further if the deal proceeds, potentially creating a “problem” for competition in the streaming and entertainment sectors. He emphasized that he would be personally involved in any decision regarding approval.
The deal, announced on Friday, would bring iconic franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, and Looney Tunes under Netflix’s banner. It represents one of the largest acquisitions in the film and streaming industry in recent decades and would cement Netflix’s position as the world’s largest subscription streaming service.
Netflix, which began in 1997 as a postal DVD rental service, has evolved into a global streaming powerhouse. Under the agreement, Warner Bros would also split its business, with the merger expected to close in the latter half of 2026.
Industry reactions to the merger have been mixed. The Writers Guild of America, representing thousands of entertainment professionals, urged regulators to block the acquisition, warning that it could reduce jobs, depress wages, limit content diversity, and lead to higher prices for consumers. “The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is exactly what antitrust laws were designed to prevent,” the guild stated.
Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who reportedly met Trump in the Oval Office, defended the move as an opportunity to position the company for long-term growth. “This is a chance to set Netflix up for success for decades to come,” he said, acknowledging that the deal might have surprised some investors.
Netflix reportedly beat out competitors such as Comcast and Paramount Skydance in securing the agreement. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, had previously pursued the acquisition of all Warner Bros assets, including its cable networks, but was ultimately turned down.
The US Department of Justice’s antitrust division will review the merger to determine whether the combined company would unfairly dominate the streaming market. Analysts say that regulators will carefully consider the potential impact on competition, consumer prices, and content diversity before making a decision.
The merger, if approved, would mark a transformative moment in the entertainment landscape, bringing together two of Hollywood’s most influential content providers under one platform.