Donald Trump is calling for the removal of Susan Rice from Netflix’s board of directors, escalating a dispute sparked by Rice’s recent comments regarding potential corporate accountability should Democrats regain power. The former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and national security advisor has drawn the ire of the former president, who took to his Truth Social platform Saturday to demand her immediate dismissal or face unspecified “consequences.” This demand comes as Netflix navigates a complex $83 billion deal to acquire the studios and streaming businesses of Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, as reported by Deadline. He further characterized Rice as lacking “talent or skills,” labeling her a “Purely a political hack!” and asserting that “HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK.” Trump concluded by requesting information regarding Rice’s compensation and the rationale behind it.
Rice’s Comments on Corporate Accountability
The catalyst for Trump’s outburst stems from remarks Rice made during an appearance on Preet Bharara’s “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast. Rice cautioned that corporations which she believes prioritized short-term gains by aligning with the Trump administration could face repercussions if Democrats were to win future elections. She suggested these companies might be unprepared for a shift in political tides and a renewed focus on accountability.
“If these corporations think that the Democrats, when they come back in power, are going to, you understand, play by the old rules, and, you know, say, ‘Oh, never mind. We’ll forgive you for all the people you fired, all the policies and principles you’ve violated, all, you know, the laws you’ve skirted.’ I think they’ve got another thing coming,” Rice stated on the podcast, according to reporting from Deadline.
Trump’s Shifting Stance on the Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal
Trump’s intervention adds another layer of complexity to the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix. Initially, in early February, Trump indicated he would defer to the Justice Department regarding the deal, stating, “I must say, I guess I’m considered to be a very strong president…I’ve decided I shouldn’t be involved. The Justice Department will handle it,” as reported by Variety. Even though, his recent comments suggest a change in position.
The situation is further complicated by a competing bid for Warner Bros. Discovery from Paramount Skydance, which is attempting to present a more attractive offer. Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders are scheduled to vote on the Netflix acquisition on March 20, according to Variety. A seven-day negotiation period opened on February 17, allowing Paramount Skydance an opportunity to strengthen its proposal.
Amplification from Right-Wing Media
Trump’s Truth Social post included a link to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from far-right activist Laura Loomer. Loomer characterized Rice’s comments as a “threat” and falsely claimed the Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger would lead to “positive messaging of the Democrats’ upcoming witch hunts against Trump” from Barack and Michelle Obama. She called on Trump to “kill the Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger now.”
🚨TRUMP MUST KILL THE NETFLIX-WARNER BROS. MERGER NOW!🚨
Susan Rice is threatening half of the country with weaponized government political retribution! 😡
The Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger would result in a streaming monopoly, which the Obamas will have a significant stake in. https://t.co/2sTolsWP6c— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 17, 2026
Netflix has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s demand for Rice’s removal.
The proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix remains a significant development in the media landscape, and the outcome of the shareholder vote on March 20 will be a key moment. The Justice Department’s role in reviewing the deal will also be crucial, particularly given Trump’s initial suggestion that the agency should take the lead. Shareholders will be closely watching for any further developments in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on this developing story? Share your comments below and let us know what you think.
