Donald Trump said on December 7, 2025, that he will be personally involved in the decision to approve or block the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, after reporters asked him about the massive deal during an event at the Kennedy Center. He did not take an explicit stance for or against the merger yet — but warned that the combined entity’s “very big market share” “could be a problem.”
What’s the Deal & Why It Matters
- On December 5, 2025, Netflix agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV and film studios, streaming business (including HBO/HBO Max) and content library in a transaction valued at US$72 billion.
- If approved, the merger would combine two of the biggest players in entertainment — instantly making Netflix a dominant powerhouse in both streaming and cinematic content production.
Because of this, many lawmakers, industry observers and now the White House view the deal as a potential threat to competition in the media space.
Antitrust Concerns & Pushback
🔒 Risk of Media Monopoly
Critics argue that by combining Netflix’s global subscriber base with Warner Bros.’ movie and TV studios (including HBO, DC Studios, and more), the merger could centralize too much content power under one roof — limiting consumer choice.
🏛 Political & Regulatory Resistance
Some members of Congress — from both major parties — have already flagged the deal as an “antitrust nightmare.”
With Trump’s intervention, the deal now faces a tougher review than initially expected.
⚠️ What Could Change if Deal Is Rejected or Delayed
- Regulators might demand Netflix divest parts of Warner’s assets (e.g. studios or streaming rights).
- The takeover might be shelved altogether — meaning longtime Warner Bros. franchises (films, TV shows) could stay independent.
- Major ripple effects for the streaming and movie industry globally: producers, creators, and subscribers could all see shifts.
What Happens Next — What to Watch For
- The U.S. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and possibly other competition-regulators in the U.S. and abroad will likely examine the merger deeply.
- Public hearings, lobbying from other media companies and studios, and legal challenges may follow — especially from rivals who lost the bid (e.g. Paramount Skydance, Comcast).
- If the deal goes through, global streaming and content-production dynamics could shift: fewer independent studios, potentially less competition, but maybe bigger single-provider content libraries.
Final Thought
Trump’s announcement to personally review the Netflix-Warner Bros deal has turned what once seemed a straightforward corporate takeover into a high-stakes political and regulatory showdown. The outcome — approval, rejection, or modification — could reshape not only Hollywood, but global streaming and media content distribution for years to come.
