US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns over Netflix’s planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, a deal that would give the streaming giant control over major franchises including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, The Matrix, and The Lord of the Rings. The merger, announced on Friday, would create one of the largest entertainment companies in history, but it still requires approval from US competition regulators.
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Trump Warns of Netflix’s Growing Market Power
Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Sunday, President Trump said Netflix already holds a “very big market share,” and the combined size of Netflix and Warner Bros “could be a problem.” He stressed that the company’s dominance would “go up by a lot” if the deal is approved. Trump also confirmed he intends to be personally involved in the review process.
Netflix’s Rise and the Significance of the Deal
Founded in 1997 as a DVD rental service, Netflix has grown into the world’s largest subscription streaming platform. This acquisition—one of the biggest deals in modern film industry history—would solidify its leading position globally. Under the agreement, top franchises like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, and The Matrix would shift exclusively to Netflix. The transaction is expected to be finalized after Warner Bros completes its business split, planned for the second half of 2026.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Possible Antitrust Challenges
The US Justice Department’s antitrust division will evaluate whether the merger violates competition laws. Regulators may argue the combined entity would control too large a share of the streaming market, potentially harming rivals and consumers. Industry groups, including both branches of the Writers Guild of America, have already called for the merger to be blocked, arguing it would eliminate jobs, reduce wages, and limit the diversity of content available to viewers.
Industry Reactions and Rival Bidders
Netflix beat several major competitors—including Comcast and Paramount Skydance—to secure the agreement. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison and supported by his billionaire father Larry Ellison (a close Trump ally), previously attempted to buy all of Warner Bros, including its cable networks. Warner Bros rejected that bid before putting itself up for sale. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos acknowledged the deal may have surprised investors but described it as a long-term strategy for success in the “decades to come.” Trump praised Sarandos during his remarks, calling him “a great person” who has done “one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.”
Conclusion
The massive $72 billion Netflix–Warner Brothers deal is already shaking the entertainment industry, raising major questions about competition, content diversity, and market dominance. While Netflix views the merger as a strategic investment in the future, critics warn it could reduce competition and lead to fewer choices for consumers. With President Trump signaling personal involvement and regulators preparing to review the merger, the deal faces a challenging path ahead.