Trump Threatens Netflix Over Susan Rice’s Position

In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump took aim at Netflix, insisting the streaming platform must terminate the employment of Susan Rice, who has been on its board of directors since 2018. His remarks came in the wake of Rice’s appearance on the popular “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast.

Background on Susan Rice

Susan Rice, a prominent political figure, has served in significant roles, including as ambassador to the United Nations and in various advisory positions during the Obama and Biden administrations. During her podcast interview, she voiced concerns about corporate accountability, stating that companies that “take a knee” to Trump will face consequences when Democrats regain power.

“If these corporations think that the Democrats, when they come back in power, are going to… forgive you for all the people you fired, all the policies and principles you’ve violated, I think they’ve got another thing coming,” Rice emphasized.

Trump’s Reaction

Responding to Rice’s statements, Trump expressed his discontent on his platform, Truth Social. He referred to Rice as a “racist” and a “political hack,” urging Netflix to “fire [Susan Rice] IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences.” He questioned her qualifications and expressed skepticism regarding her salary at Netflix.

In his post, Trump included criticism from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who condemned Rice’s comments and claimed they were tied to concerns over a potential streaming monopoly arising from the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger. This merger, which is expected to give the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, significant leverage, has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about corporate influence.

Implications for Netflix

Although Trump did not specify what “consequences” Netflix might face, it’s pertinent to note that the massive Warner Bros. acquisition by Netflix will require approval from federal regulators. This deal’s complexities add an extra layer of scrutiny, and co-CEO Ted Sarandos previously met with Trump to discuss the company’s future.

In a previous instance, Trump had similarly demanded that Microsoft remove its global affairs president, Lisa Monaco, following criticism from Loomer. As of now, Monaco remains at Microsoft, showing that such demands do not always lead to immediate repercussions.

Conclusion

The tension between Trump and corporate figures like Susan Rice reflects a larger political discourse on accountability, corporate responsibility, and the implications of leadership positions in major companies. As Netflix navigates its upcoming deals and corporate strategy, the call for Rice’s dismissal may have broader implications for its relationship with political figures.

For further insights into the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger and other corporate acquisitions, visit TechCrunch.