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How Hollywood and Maga aligned over Warner Bros deal

February 27, 2026

Netflix has withdrawn from its proposed $82. 7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery after Paramount Skydance submitted a higher $111 billion counteroffer, stating the deal is no longer financially viable. The streaming giant faced significant political opposition from the Trump administration and conservative commentators who view Netflix as a liberal company with ties to the Obamas through a production deal, leading many to predict regulatory roadblocks.

Who is affected

  • Netflix and its CEO Ted Sarandos
  • Warner Bros Discovery
  • Paramount Skydance (including chairman David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison)
  • Netflix board member Susan Rice
  • CNN employees and journalists
  • CBS News employees
  • Hollywood filmmakers, particularly James Cameron
  • Actors including Mark Ruffalo
  • Warner Bros studio employees facing potential job losses
  • The Obama family (Barack and Michelle Obama through their production company Higher Ground)
  • Conservative activists including Laura Loomer
  • Republican politicians including Senator Ted Cruz

What action is being taken

  • Netflix is walking away from the Warner Bros Discovery acquisition
  • Paramount Skydance is making a $111 billion offer for Warner Bros Discovery
  • Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos met with Department of Justice officials and Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House on Thursday
  • President Trump is posting on Truth Social demanding Netflix fire Susan Rice
  • Conservative commentators and Maga supporters are publicly opposing Netflix's bid

Why it matters

  • This situation demonstrates how corporate mergers and acquisitions have become deeply politicized in the current administration, with business decisions influenced by presidential pressure and political considerations rather than purely economic factors. The outcome will significantly impact media consolidation in America, as the alternative Paramount Skydance deal would concentrate news outlets like CNN and CBS News under ownership friendly to the Trump administration, raising concerns about journalistic independence and editorial control. The case also highlights the tension between streaming services and traditional cinema, affecting how content is distributed and consumed. Additionally, it sets a precedent for how political opposition and presidential involvement can effectively derail major corporate transactions, potentially chilling future business deals that may face similar political scrutiny.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC