U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, warning that the merger could create major competition issues.
Speaking in Washington, he noted that Netflix already has a very big market share, which would go up by a lot if the deal goes ahead. Trump also said he would be personally involved in the decision.
The deal, announced last Friday, would bring Warner Bros franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings to Netflix, strengthening its position as the world’s largest subscription streaming service. Originally a DVD rental business, Netflix has grown significantly and competes with platforms such as Disney+ and HBO Max.
Regulatory approval is pending, with the U.S. Department of Justice closely scrutinising the merger for potential anti-competitive effects. Experts highlight that the main concern lies in combining Netflix with Warner Bros’ HBO streaming service, which offers a vast catalogue of films and TV shows. While approval is expected, concessions may be required.
Former U.S. Federal Trade Commission chair Bill Kovacic noted that Trump’s direct involvement signals unusual presidential influence in the merger’s review, turning a technical issue into a politically charged decision.
Netflix outbid rivals including Comcast and Paramount Skydance, which had attempted to buy Warner Bros but was rejected. The Writers Guild of America has urged regulators to block the deal, warning it could reduce jobs, lower wages, and diminish content diversity.
The acquisition is anticipated to complete after Warner Bros’ planned business split in late 2026, potentially reshaping competition and content availability in the streaming market for years to come.