US President Donald Trump has raised concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72bn (£54bn) acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery’s movie studio and HBO streaming networks, citing the companies’ combined size and market influence
Speaking at an event in Washington DC on Sunday, Trump said Netflix already has a “very big market share,” which would “go up by a lot” if the deal proceeds. He indicated that he would be personally involved in evaluating the merger, emphasizing the potential competition issues it could create.
The agreement, announced last Friday, would bring major franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings under Netflix, creating a new media powerhouse. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to be completed after Warner Bros splits its business in the second half of 2026.
Trump also praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the Oval Office, calling him “a great person” who has done “one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.” Sarandos acknowledged that the merger may have surprised investors but said it positions Netflix for long-term success.
Industry experts have weighed in on the potential antitrust implications. Blair Westlake, a former Universal Studios executive, noted that competition concerns would focus primarily on the combination of Netflix and HBO streaming, since Netflix’s studio production and content library are smaller than Warner Brothers’. He suggested the deal would likely be approved, though some concessions may be required.
Bill Kovacic, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, said Trump’s comments indicate an “unprecedented level of presidential control” over the regulatory review of the merger, which traditionally would be handled as a technical analysis by competition authorities.
Netflix secured the deal after outbidding rivals including Comcast and Paramount Skydance. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have called for the merger to be blocked, warning it could reduce jobs, depress wages, harm working conditions, raise consumer prices, and limit the diversity of content available to viewers.
The acquisition, the largest in the film industry in recent years, would cement Netflix’s position as the world’s leading subscription streaming service. Competition authorities in the US will now assess whether the merger violates antitrust laws before it can move forward.
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