Netflix's Sarandos Heads to White House Amid Paramount's WBD Bid

Streamer's co-CEO to meet with administration officials as Paramount's acquisition talks with Warner Bros. Discovery continue.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, is heading to the White House on Thursday to meet with several administration officials, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. This comes as Paramount's $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery has been extended, and the tide seems to be shifting in David Ellison's favor. It's unclear if former President Donald Trump will also meet with Sarandos, as Trump has expressed concerns about Netflix's potential market share if the streamer and HBO Max were to merge.

Why it matters

The White House meeting highlights the high stakes involved in the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the entertainment industry's most valuable assets. Netflix's bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's crown jewels could significantly impact the streaming landscape and market share, which has been a concern for the former president.

The details

Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, is seeking to salvage the streamer's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets as Paramount's $108 billion hostile takeover talks with the company have been extended. The meeting with administration officials, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, is an attempt by Sarandos to gain support for Netflix's acquisition efforts.

  • Sarandos is scheduled to meet with several administration officials on Thursday, February 25, 2026.
  • Paramount's $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery has been extended.

The players

Ted Sarandos

The co-CEO of Netflix, who is heading to the White House to meet with administration officials.

Susie Wiles

The White House Chief of Staff, who is scheduled to meet with Sarandos.

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount, which has made a $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has expressed concerns about Netflix's potential market share if it were to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

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What they’re saying

“Praising both 'fantastic' Sarandos and 'good friend' Ellison on different occasions over the past months as the moves to take over the iconic studio have occurred, the former Apprentice host has expressed concern about Netflix's potential market share if the streamer and HBO Max become one.”

— Donald Trump (imdb.com)

What’s next

It is unclear if Donald Trump himself will be meeting with Sarandos during the White House visit.

The takeaway

The high-stakes battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery has drawn the attention of the White House, highlighting the significant impact the outcome could have on the streaming landscape and market share.