Trump Signals Potential Hurdles for Netflix’s $72 Billion Warner Bros Bid

Key Moments

Trump Flags Possible Antitrust Issues

Donald Trump said he plans to take a direct role in reviewing Netflix’s $72bn (£54bn) bid for Warner Bros, and the proposal is already drawing criticism across the media industry and political spectrum.

He told reporters the deal “could be a problem,” pointing to concerns about Netflix’s growing market power. He stopped short of stating whether he supports or opposes the takeover, leaving his ultimate position unclear.

Details of the Netflix – Warner Bros Discovery Deal

The deal would allow Netflix, the world’s largest streaming platform by market share, to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s TV and film studios along with the HBO Max streaming service.

The companies aim to close the deal late next year after they complete the planned spin-off of the Discovery division. That unit primarily includes long-established television channels focused on cartoons, news, and sports programming.

NEXT EPISODE: The Trump administration reportedly has reservations about Netflix’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. — one of Hollywood’s oldest movie studios — as regulators prepare to closely scrutinize the $72 billion deal. pic.twitter.com/lZijqHjC70

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) December 7, 2025

Regulatory and Political Backlash

The deal has sparked bipartisan criticism over competition and market concentration, and it has also drawn resistance from Hollywood stakeholders.

The Writers Guild of America warned that the world’s largest streaming company absorbing one of its biggest competitors goes against the purpose of antitrust laws.

“The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.”

Republican Senator Roger Marshall also raised alarms, saying Netflix’s attempt to buy Warner Bros would mark the largest media takeover in history and raise serious concerns for consumers, creators, movie theaters, and local businesses.

“One company should not have full vertical control of the content and the distribution pipeline that delivers it. And combining two of the largest streaming platforms is a textbook horizontal Antitrust problem.

“Prices, choice, and creative freedom are at stake. Regulators need to take a hard look at this deal, and realize how harmful it would be for consumers and Western society.”

Competing Bids and Strategic Dynamics

Paramount Skydance and Comcast, the parent company of Sky News, also participated in the auction process for Warner Bros Discovery assets prior to Netflix’s selection.

According to information from sources cited by the Reuters news agency, those rival offers were rejected in favor of Netflix for distinct reasons. Paramount’s proposal was reportedly viewed as facing funding challenges, while Comcast’s was considered to provide fewer early-stage advantages.

Paramount is led by David Ellison, son of Oracle technology billionaire Larry Ellison, who is described as a close ally of Mr Trump.

Trump’s Role in the Approval Process

Discussing the regulatory path ahead, the president stated: “I’ll be involved in that decision”. He acknowledged concerns about the scale of the combined entity, commenting on the anticipated scrutiny: “That’s going to be for some economists to tell. But it is a big market share. There’s no question it could be a problem.”

Transaction Snapshot