Trump calls on Netflix to remove board member Susan Rice, citing 'consequences'

President Donald Trump has publicly urged Netflix to dismiss board member Susan Rice, escalating tensions between political figures and streaming platforms. The comments followed Rice's recent interview in which she suggested that corporations that previously supported Trump might face scrutiny in future elections.

In the interview on Stay Tuned with Preet, Rice, who currently serves on Netflix's board and previously held roles as U.S. National Security Advisor (2013-2017) and Domestic Policy Advisor (2021-2023), remarked that companies and individuals who "take[n] a knee to Trump" are now recognising that the former president’s influence has waned:

For those that decided that they would act in their perceived very narrow self-interest… I think they are now starting to realise,'Wait a minute, this is not popular. Trump is not popular.'

Rice added that corporations could face what she called an "accountability agenda" if Democrats win upcoming elections in 2026 and 2028, noting that companies should preserve documents and prepare for possible subpoenas, regardless of whether they have broken the law. On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to respond, writing:

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???

His post included a screenshot of a related post by political commentator Laura Loomer, who cited Rice’s remarks and linked them to potential corporate accountability. Loomer also used the post to criticise a potential Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, claiming it could create a streaming monopoly and alleging that the Obamas would hold influence over content distribution through Higher Ground Productions. She tagged Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr in the post, urging intervention.

The controversy ties directly to Netflix’s $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and streaming businesses. With Netflix set to acquire major franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the HBO Max service, the transaction represents a significant reshaping of the U.S. media landscape. The merger has already drawn regulatory attention over concerns it could grant Netflix a dominant market position, while Loomer’s objections and scrutiny of board members like Rice underscore how political and public pressures are converging on the streaming giant at a pivotal moment in its expansion.

Amid this, Netflix and Paramount Skydance continue competing to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump has stated he "shouldn’t be involved" in the dispute, leaving the matter to the Justice Department. The exchange highlights the growing intersection of politics and corporate governance in the streaming sector, where board decisions and high-profile mergers are increasingly scrutinised through the lens of public and political sentiment.