President Donald Trump has voiced significant concerns regarding Netflix’s proposed $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets. He stated that the potential **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** “could be a problem.” His primary worry centers on the combined market share that would result from this **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**. The U.S. President made these remarks on Sunday, December 7, 2025, just two days after the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** announcement.
Trump confirmed a recent meeting with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos in the Oval Office. During this meeting, Sarandos presented Netflix’s case for the acquisition. Trump praised Sarandos, calling him a “fantastic man” and acknowledging his success in the movies industry. Despite the positive remarks about Sarandos, Trump reiterated his concern about market share, believing the combined entity would wield too much power following a **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**.
A **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** Reshaping Hollywood
Netflix agreed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s key assets on December 5, 2025, in a deal valued at $72 billion in equity and $82.7 billion in enterprise value. This massive **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** encompasses Warner Bros. film and television studios, HBO, and the streaming service HBO Max. This consolidation would create a dominant force in the entertainment industry, uniting iconic franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics under a single entity. The **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** followed a competitive bidding process.
Warner Bros. Discovery will spin off its Global Networks division, to be renamed Discovery Global. Crucially, CNN, TNT, and other cable channels are not included in the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**. The aim of this proposed merger is to leverage Netflix’s global reach with Warner Bros.’ rich legacy, a key driver for the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**.
Antitrust Concerns Mount Over **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**
President Trump indicated his intention to be involved in the government’s approval decision for the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**, suggesting economists would thoroughly assess its implications. Regulatory bodies, including the Department of Justice and state attorneys general, are expected to scrutinize the merger closely, focusing on potential monopoly concerns and the impact on the public good. The **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** faces significant antitrust hurdles.
A combined Netflix and HBO Max could control a substantial portion of the U.S. streaming market, with estimates ranging from 30-40%. Netflix intends to counter these concerns by arguing for a broader market definition that includes platforms like YouTube and TikTok, thereby diluting their perceived market dominance. However, critics argue that this level of market concentration, resulting from the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**, is inherently problematic and raises serious antitrust concerns Hollywood has not seen in years. This **Netflix acquisition HBO** would drastically alter the competitive landscape.
Voices of Opposition to the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**
Several influential groups have voiced strong opposition to the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has urged regulators to block the deal, citing fears of job elimination, reduced wages, and worsened working conditions. The WGA has a history of opposing media consolidation, believing such mergers harm workers and stifle competition. The **Trump media merger** scrutiny echoes similar past concerns about market power.
Lawmakers from both parties share these worries. Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** an “antitrust nightmare.” Senator Mike Lee warned of an “end of the Golden Age of streaming” for creators and consumers. Cinema United, a global exhibition trade group, perceives the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** as an “unprecedented threat” to movie theaters. Other unions, like the Hollywood Teamsters, have also warned of significant job losses directly tied to the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**.
Market Impact and Future Outlook for the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**
The **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** faces a lengthy review process, with an expected closing date between late 2026 and early 2027. Trump’s personal involvement could signal unprecedented presidential control over the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**. Such intense scrutiny may impact the merger’s terms or even its ultimate approval, making the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** a highly watched event. This potential **media consolidation issues** could set precedents.
Netflix has expressed confidence in the regulatory process, framing the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** as pro-consumer and pro-innovation. However, the combined streaming market share remains a significant hurdle for the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**. The news has already impacted stock prices, with Warner Bros. Discovery shares experiencing a slight dip and Netflix shares also dropping. The future of this massive media consolidation, driven by the proposed **Netflix Warner Bros Merger**, remains uncertain, heavily dependent on regulatory decisions and political will. This story highlights the complex interplay of business, politics, and the evolving streaming landscape, with the **Netflix Warner Bros Merger** at its center.
