U.S. President Donald Trump has raised potential antitrust concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery’s studio assets and HBO streaming services, suggesting the deal “could be a problem.”
Speaking at an event in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Trump noted that Netflix already commands a “big market share,” which would increase substantially if the merger proceeded. He indicated he would be personally involved in the decision to approve the transaction.
“I have a lot of respect for [Netflix co-CEO] Ted Sarandos. He’s a great person. He’s done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies,” Trump said, adding that Sarandos had recently visited the Oval Office and praised his leadership.
The deal, announced Friday, would bring iconic Warner Bros franchises—including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and The Matrix—under the Netflix umbrella, creating a media powerhouse that would solidify the streamer’s dominance in the subscription market.
Launched in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail service, Netflix has grown into the world’s largest streaming platform. The acquisition, the film industry’s largest in years, is scheduled to close after Warner Bros completes a corporate split in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division could challenge the merger if it determines the combined entity would control too large a share of the streaming market. Trump’s public comments signal heightened political attention on the transaction as it enters a lengthy review process.
The BBC has contacted Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery, and the White House for comment.
By James Kisoo
