President Donald Trump has publicly called for Netflix to dismiss board member Susan Rice, warning the streaming giant to “pay the consequences” if it fails to act. This demand comes amid Netflix’s ongoing efforts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets, a deal valued at $82 billion that is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Justice.
Trump’s remarks were prompted by Rice’s recent appearance on the “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast, where she suggested that corporations aligning with Trump’s policies might face repercussions if Democrats regain power. Rice stated, “If these corporations think that the Democrats, when they come back in power, are going to, you know, play by the old rules… I think they’ve got another thing coming.” ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/22/trump-says-netflix-will-face-consequences-if-it-doesnt-fire-board-member-susan-rice/?utm_source=openai))
In response, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences. She’s got no talent or skills – Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what???” ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/donald-trump-demands-netflix-fire-susan-rice-from-board-or-pay-the-consequences/?utm_source=openai))
Rice, who served as National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama and as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, rejoined Netflix’s board in 2023 after leaving the Biden administration. She is a member of the company’s nominating and governance committee. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/22/trump-warns-netflix-of-consequences-unless-it-pulls-top-democrat-susan-rice-from-board?utm_source=openai))
The timing of Trump’s demand is notable, as Netflix is engaged in a competitive bidding process with Paramount Skydance Corp. to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. The proposed merger has raised antitrust concerns, with federal regulators expected to closely examine the deal. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/22/trump-warns-netflix-of-consequences-unless-it-pulls-top-democrat-susan-rice-from-board?utm_source=openai))
Netflix has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments. The situation underscores the complex interplay between corporate governance, political influence, and regulatory oversight in high-stakes mergers within the media industry.