Netflix's Sarandos to Visit White House Amid Warner Bros. Deal Talks

The streamer's co-CEO plans to discuss the $83 billion acquisition with the Biden administration.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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With negotiations heating up over Netflix's bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and streaming businesses for $83 billion, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos plans to visit the White House on Thursday for meetings. Sarandos is expected to discuss President Trump's recent demand that Netflix fire board member Susan Rice, as well as the Department of Justice's antitrust review of the proposed deal.

Why it matters

The potential Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger is a major media industry shakeup that could reshape the streaming landscape. Sarandos' visit to the White House underscores the political implications of the deal, as the Biden administration scrutinizes the transaction's impact on competition.

The details

Sarandos will meet with White House officials, though it's unclear if he will directly meet with President Trump. The visit comes as Paramount Skydance has increased its offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery to $31 per share, potentially complicating Netflix's $83 billion bid. The Department of Justice Antitrust division is currently assessing Netflix's market power and dealmaking.

  • Sarandos plans to visit the White House on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • On Saturday, February 22, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Netflix 'immediately' fire board member Susan Rice.

The players

Ted Sarandos

Co-CEO of Netflix who plans to visit the White House to discuss the company's proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Susan Rice

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and current member of Netflix's board of directors, whom President Trump has demanded Netflix fire.

Paramount Skydance

A media company that has increased its offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery to $31 per share, potentially complicating Netflix's bid.

Department of Justice Antitrust Division

The U.S. government agency currently assessing Netflix's market power and dealmaking as part of its review of the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

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What they’re saying

“This is a business deal. It's not a political deal.”

— Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix (Variety)

“Netflix should 'immediately' fire former UN ambassador and board member Rice or 'pay the consequences.'”

— President Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The Department of Justice Antitrust division will continue its review of the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while Sarandos meets with White House officials to discuss the deal. Paramount Skydance's increased offer for Warner Bros. Discovery could also impact the negotiations.

The takeaway

The potential Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger has become a high-stakes political issue, with the Biden administration scrutinizing the deal's impact on competition and President Trump weighing in on Netflix's board composition. Sarandos' White House visit underscores the complex regulatory and political landscape surrounding this major media industry consolidation.