Netflix is pursuing a blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery that would create the most powerful streaming conglomerate in U.S. history, controlling approximately 139 million domestic subscribers. The proposed merger is drawing sharp criticism from conservative leaders and former President Donald Trump, who warned Sunday the deal “could be a problem” due to Netflix’s already dominant market share and deep ties to left-wing political figures.
The merger would place Netflix nearly 50 million subscribers ahead of its closest competitor and could hand unprecedented cultural power to a platform already closely aligned with Barack and Michelle Obama. President Trump signaled concern not only about the consolidation itself but also about the future of CNN, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump has previously said CNN’s fate should factor into any approval process.
Conservative commentators across the political spectrum are sounding the alarm. Jack Posobiec cited Netflix’s ties to Susan Rice, Barack Obama’s former national security adviser, and accused the company of politicizing content like Stranger Things into LGBT-themed programming. Benny Johnson of Turning Point USA called it the “most dangerous media consolidation in American history,” warning that the merger would give ultra-woke Netflix outsized control over key children’s franchises.
Commentator Laura Loomer argued that the merger would supercharge Michelle Obama’s influence ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run. She wrote: “If the merger is approved, the Obamas, through their production company, would enjoy unprecedented influence over the largest consolidated streaming platform in American history.”
The Obamas’ Higher Ground production company has had an exclusive deal with Netflix since 2018, producing documentaries, children’s content, and politically charged series. The partnership was renewed and expanded in 2024, deepening the Obamas’ creative influence within the company. Former Obama adviser Susan Rice rejoined Netflix’s board in 2023 after serving in the Biden administration, further cementing the political connections.
Netflix has a track record of partisan bias. In internal communications, co-founder Reed Hastings criticized tech investor Peter Thiel for supporting Trump, suggesting Thiel’s stance showed “bad judgment” and expressing discomfort with his role at Facebook.
The merger is currently under regulatory review, with no timeline set for a decision. If approved, it would represent the most ideologically charged media consolidation in modern U.S. history, raising serious questions about political neutrality, cultural influence, and market dominance.
