President Donald Trump took to social media on Saturday to call for the firing of Susan Rice from Netflix’s board of directors, warning that the streaming giant will “pay the consequences” if they fail to do so. Rice, a former ambassador to the United Nations who served in the Obama and Biden administrations, recently appeared on the “Stay Tuned with Preet” podcast and made comments suggesting that corporations that supported Trump will face repercussions when Democrats regain power.
In response to Rice’s remarks, Trump posted on his social network Truth Social, accusing Rice of being a “racist” and a “Trump Deranged” individual who lacks talent and skills, branding her as a political hack. He also questioned Rice’s compensation from Netflix and raised concerns about the streaming company’s merger with Warner Bros., suggesting that the Obamas’ production company Higher Ground could benefit significantly from the deal.
While Trump did not specify the consequences that Netflix may face, it is worth noting that the streaming giant’s acquisition of Warner Bros. will require approval from federal regulators. Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly met with Trump prior to the announcement of the deal, with Trump acknowledging the company’s market dominance and hinting at potential regulatory scrutiny.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted a corporate executive for their political views. Last fall, he demanded that Microsoft fire its president of global affairs Lisa Monaco, who was also criticized by far-right activist Laura Loomer. Despite Trump’s pressure, Monaco remains at Microsoft.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Netflix will respond to Trump’s ultimatum regarding Susan Rice’s future at the company. The intersection of politics and corporate governance continues to be a contentious issue in today’s polarized climate, with high-profile figures like Rice caught in the crossfire. The outcome of this latest clash between Trump and Netflix could have far-reaching implications for both the company and the broader entertainment industry.
