Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has firmly rejected President Donald Trump's demand for the immediate removal of Susan Rice from the streaming platform's management structures. Trump threatened the service with 'consequences,' accusing the former Barack Obama advisor of incompetence and bias. Sarandos emphasized that Netflix operates based on business logic, not politics, distancing itself from the president's activity on social media, where attacks were also directed at Michelle Obama.

Refusal to Dismiss Susan Rice

Ted Sarandos declared that Rice's presence on the board is a purely business decision and he will not yield to political pressure.

Donald Trump's Threats

The President warned of unspecified consequences for Netflix if the company does not immediately remove the former Obama advisor.

Warner Bros Merger

The Netflix CEO assessed that the $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros would positively impact the entire entertainment industry.

Tensions between the White House administration and the streaming giant have reached a new level following Donald Trump's public attack on Susan Rice, who has served on the platform's board since 2018. The US President demands her immediate removal, arguing that Rice lacks the necessary skills and her presence in the company is solely politically motivated. Donald Trump warned that a lack of response from the service would lead to severe consequences, which markets interpret as a threat of imposing new regulations or tax restrictions on the enterprise. Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the UN and National Security Advisor in the Barack Obama administration, joined the Netflix board in March 2018, which from the outset drew criticism from conservative circles in the United States. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, responded to these provocations during a Monday appearance. He stated unequivocally that all personnel decisions within the company are the result of commercial agreements, not political pressure. Sarandos also addressed the president's communication style, noting that Donald Trump 'likes to do many things through social media,' which referred to posts on the Truth Social platform. The Netflix chief emphasized that the company focuses on regulatory processes, not online comments. This dispute fits into the broader context of Trump's attacks on individuals associated with the former Democratic administration, including sharing posts labeling Michelle Obama a 'racist.' 83 mld USD — value of the Warner Bros merger supported by Netflix's CEO Despite the political turmoil, Netflix continues its expansion and views the consolidation of the media sector optimistically. Sarandos expressed support for the major Warner Bros acquisition, claiming such a transaction would benefit the entire industry by stabilizing the content production market. Investors are closely watching, however, whether the president's threats of 'consequences' will translate into real legislative actions that could hinder the platform's operations in the US market.

Mentioned People

  • Ted Sarandos — Co-chief executive officer (co-CEO) of Netflix.
  • Donald Trump — President of the United States, demanding changes to the Netflix board.
  • Susan Rice — Member of the Netflix board, former US National Security Advisor.
  • Michelle Obama — Former First Lady of the United States, attacked on social media by Trump.