AssetID: 55325262
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Trump Warns $72bn Netflix–Warner Bros Megadeal 'Could Be a Problem'
Caption: Trump Warns $72bn Netflix–Warner Bros Megadeal ‘Could Be a Problem’. Donald Trump has raised antitrust concerns over Netflix’s planned $72bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, warning the streamer’s already “very big market share” could grow to problematic levels. The deal would fold Warner Bros’ movie studio and HBO networks into Netflix, bringing franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings onto a single platform. Competition authorities must still approve the transaction, which is expected to complete after Warner Bros restructures its business in late 2026. Trump said he intends to be “personally involved” in the approval decision, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding what could become the biggest entertainment merger in years. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently met Trump, who praised him for his leadership and called his success “one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.” Industry analysts say the main competition issue is the combination of Netflix with HBO’s established streaming arm, though many expect the deal to pass with concessions. Former FTC chair Bill Kovacic warned that Trump’s hands-on involvement signals “unprecedented presidential control” over a traditionally technical antitrust review. The Writers Guild of America has urged regulators to block the merger entirely, arguing it would cut jobs, depress wages, raise consumer prices and reduce content diversity. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Trump,Netflix,Warner Bros Discovery,HBO,merger,antitrust,Ted Sarandos,streaming market,US Justice Department,competition review
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