Ted Sarandos, co-chief executive of Netflix, said he sees no sign Donald Trump will try to influence the company’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in a way that crosses ethical lines, as the deal faces intensifying political and antitrust scrutiny. Speaking to Variety on the red carpet this weekend, Sarandos said Trump had given “no indication” he would get involved in any way that would be “improper,” according to the outlet’s report.
Days earlier, Trump told NBC News he would step back and let regulators take the lead. “I’ve decided I shouldn’t be involved. The Justice Department will handle it,” Trump said, according to a Reuters report.
The transaction, announced in December and revised Jan. 20, values the Warner Bros. streaming and studio assets at $82.7 billion, or $27.75 per share, funded as an all-cash offer. Under the structure, Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders would also receive shares in a separated “Discovery Global” networks business, and Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery said the revision aims to speed a shareholder vote.
Sarandos has argued the merger would preserve jobs and keep Warner Bros.’ production engine running. At a Feb. 3 hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, he told lawmakers Netflix would “operate the Warner Bros studio largely as it is today,” while senators pressed on competition, pricing power and cultural influence.
Opponents say consolidation would weaken theatrical distribution and deepen streaming dominance. In written testimony to the Senate panel, Cinema United warned the merger could be “economically and culturally catastrophic,” citing risks to theaters, release windows and employment. Meanwhile the U.S. Department of Justice has issued “second requests” for information that extend the review timeline, a standard step that signals a closer antitrust look.
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to put the Netflix deal to shareholders in March, while a competing Paramount Skydance bid continues to hover over the process.
