Politics are taking center stage as Paramount Pictures submits a new offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, a $108 billion deal that faces intense scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. The battle for control of the media giant has become a high-stakes game, with President Trump weighing in to back Paramount’s bid.
Paramount has been trying to win over regulators and politicians by leveraging its ties with the Trump administration and former officials, including former Obama administration official Susan Rice, who serves on Netflix’s board. However, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has downplayed the controversy, saying it’s a business deal, not a political one.
The company is trying to convince Warner Bros. shareholders that the Netflix deal is too dicey and that they should side with Paramount instead. The stakes are high, with the Justice Department regulators investigating whether either bid would harm competition.
President Trump has demanded that Netflix fire Rice, calling her a “political hack” and saying she has no talent or skills. However, lawmakers have been blasting Netflix’s deal, including Sen. Mike Lee, who sent them pointed follow-up questions about the potential impact on future competition.
The battle for Warner Bros. Discovery is taking on a cultural tone, with some Republicans accusing Netflix of promoting “transgender ideology” to children. The hearing also raised concerns about antitrust implications and whether corporate lobbyists are influencing regulatory decisions.
In the end, it’s up to Warner Bros.’ board members and shareholders to decide which bid to accept. As the deadline for Paramount’s improved offer approaches, one thing is clear: this is a battle that will be decided on both financial terms and political influence.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-02-23/paramount-deal-warner-cnn-trump-comments-susan-rice