Trump says he'll stay out of the Netflix-Paramount fight over Warner Bros.

President Trump says he will not intervene in the battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros. Discovery, a significant shift from his previous comments on the matter.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas, Trump stated that "I haven't been involved" in the negotiations and expressed confidence that the Justice Department would handle any regulatory issues arising from the deal. He also acknowledged the sharp divide between the two bidders but refused to take sides, saying only that one company is considered too big and should not be allowed to dominate the market.

This decision comes as a relief for Netflix, which already has a deal in place to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's film studio, along with HBO and the HBO Max streaming service, worth $72 billion. Trump had previously expressed concerns about the proposed acquisition, citing market concentration and the potential impact on competition. However, he also stated that he would consult economists and ultimately decide whether to approve or reject the deal.

The decision not to intervene in the battle may be seen as a victory for Netflix, which is already moving forward with its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's assets. The deal faces scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who are pressing Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos about the potential impact on consumer choice and job losses.

Sarandos has pushed back against these concerns, arguing that the transaction would expand competition rather than limit it and that Netflix offers programming "for all, left, right and center." The outcome of the deal is still uncertain, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders set to vote on the proposal as early as March.

Trump's decision not to intervene in the battle highlights his willingness to take a step back from high-profile corporate deals, following criticism of his previous comments on major media mergers. His financial interest in both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery has also come under scrutiny, with reports indicating that he purchased up to $2 million worth of bonds related to the deal.

I think it's cool that Trump decided not to get involved in the battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros. Discovery... I mean, who wants politics in a business deal? It's already complicated enough with all the regulators and lawmakers weighing in. Maybe he's just trying to take a chill pill on this one . On one hand, it does feel good for Netflix that they can move forward with their plan without Trump's thumbs up or down. But at the same time, some people are worried about the deal affecting consumer choice and jobs... I guess only time (and the shareholders) will tell

I'm glad Trump is keeping out of this one . It's gotta be tough for him with his ties to Netflix and all. I mean, can you imagine if he had put his foot down and screwed over both companies? That would've been a major mess! But I guess it makes sense that he'd step aside now - we all know he doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to regulating big business .

So yeah, this is definitely good news for Netflix, who's already moving forward with their acquisition plans . It'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out and what impact it has on the streaming market. I'm just hoping that Sarandos can spin this deal in a way that shows how it's actually gonna benefit consumers . Fingers crossed!

I don't get why people are surprised about Trump not intervening here... I mean, what's new, right? He's always been all over the place on these things. But seriously, this is just business as usual for him. The dude's got a lot of ties to Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, so it's no wonder he wouldn't want to get in the way of his own investments.

And let's be real, the Justice Department can handle the regulatory stuff without Trump's input. It's not like they're going to suddenly start letting companies run wild because Trump says so. The deal is still going through, though - and good for Netflix, right? They've got this covered with their own deal in place already. Sarandos is just trying to spin the narrative, but I think a lot of people see it for what it is: a power play.

As for Trump's decision, I'm not sure what he was hoping to achieve by saying all that stuff about one company being too big and dominating the market. It's just more posturing, if you ask me. And don't even get me started on his financial interests in this deal... That's some sketchy stuff right there.

I'm low-key relieved Trump ain't gonna get involved in this whole Netflix vs Paramount Skydance thing . I mean, the dude's already got enough drama surrounding his name, let alone trying to play corporate mediator . Plus, it seems like he's getting a bit too cozy with Netflix - $2 million in bonds? That's just weird . On the other hand, this is a huge win for Netflix, who's basically already got a handle on Warner Bros. Discovery's assets . Now we just gotta see how this plays out in March when the shareholders vote on it... my money's on Netflix

The President's decision to step back from the battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance is a significant shift in his stance on the matter. His previous concerns about market concentration were valid, but it seems like he's now taking a more hands-off approach . This development should bring some relief to Netflix, which is already moving forward with its acquisition plan . However, it's worth noting that the Justice Department will still be responsible for reviewing the deal and ensuring it doesn't harm competition . With lawmakers scrutinizing the proposal, it's crucial to ensure that this deal benefits consumers and workers in the long run . Ultimately, only time will tell if Trump's decision is a win for Netflix or Warner Bros. Discovery .

man this is crazy what's going through trump's mind lol i mean he just got all quiet on his stance towards this whole netflix-warner bros thing and now we're left wondering if he's just trying to stay out of trouble or if he genuinely doesn't care about the whole thing either way it's a big deal for netflix which is already making moves to acquire warner Bros discovery's assets worth like 72 billion dollars that's a lot of cash and it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out now

You know, I was thinking about this whole thing with Trump and Netflix... it's funny how the tables have turned, isn't it? I mean, back when he first started talking about Warner Bros. Discovery, everyone thought he'd definitely try to block the deal. But now that he's saying nothing, I guess we can breathe a sigh of relief for Netflix.

I'm not sure what the end game is here, but I do know one thing - it's all about balance. You gotta have some competition in the market, and if one company gets too big, it could stifle innovation. But at the same time, you don't want to be too restrictive, or you might drive companies out of business altogether.

It's like cooking a recipe, you know? You gotta have just the right amount of salt and pepper to bring out the flavor. Too much of one thing, and the whole dish is ruined. I guess that's what Trump's trying to do here - find that delicate balance between competition and regulation.

man, trump's about to chill out on the war between netflix & paramount skydance... i gotta say, it's kinda refreshing , 'cause let's be real, trump's comments were always super shady . but at the same time, can we talk about how weird it is that he's got a stake in both companies? like, what even is going on with his finances here? and now that he's not gonna step in, it's like... who knows what's gonna happen next? the deal is still gonna be scrutinized by lawmakers & stuff, but i guess for now, netflix can just breathe a sigh of relief .

So Trump's saying he's not gonna jump into this battle between Netflix & Paramount... huh? I mean, it's weird 'cause he was all over it like a bad rash before . What changed his mind, do u think? Did he realize how much $$$ is on the line ? And btw, what does this say about him wanting to stay outta big deals? Is he just tired of all the drama or...?

I think its kinda weird that Trump was gonna step in but now hes not Like what changed? Wasnt there something about not lettin a company be too big or somethin' Anyway, Netflix seems pretty relieved and thats awesome for them Im curious to see how this whole thing plays out tho...will they actually get the deal done without Trump's interference? Only time will tell

He's finally being a decent POTUS... for once . People should've seen this coming after his whole 'regulatory issues' thing was just noise . Now it's all about letting the market decide and not wanting to interfere, which is actually pretty refreshing . Not that I'm surprised given the drama surrounding him lately . Anyway, can't wait to see how this all plays out... with Netflix still on top

I don’t usually comment but I gotta say this is a pretty interesting development... Trump just stepped back from this whole situation which kinda surprises me considering how vocal he was about it before . I think the relief for Netflix comes from knowing that they won't have to go through all the regulatory hoops with Trump at the helm, plus it shows him taking a more hands-off approach on corporate deals... but what's really gonna be interesting is how this whole thing plays out now that he's not involved . Will Sarandos be able to convince everyone that this deal won't stifle competition? And when will we find out if the deal actually gets approved ?

I mean, can you believe it? Trump's all like "I'm not gonna get involved" but we know how that's gonna play out, right? It's like when he tries to act all neutral on Twitter and ends up tweeting about his own biases . But seriously, this is a big deal for Netflix because they're already making moves on Warner Bros. Discovery, and now they can just focus on getting the deal done without some random intervention from Trump.

But at the same time, I'm kinda worried that this means we won't be hearing about the potential downsides of the deal as much anymore. Like, what about all the concerns about consumer choice and job losses? Sarandos is right that Netflix does offer a lot of content, but that doesn't mean it's gonna magically make everything better.

And can we talk about Trump's financial interests for a sec? He owns up to $2 million worth of bonds related to the deal? That's some serious FOMO right there . It's like he's trying to profit off his own influence, which is just wild.

OMG, can you even?! So Trump is literally saying he won't get involved in this huge media deal and it's a total relief for Netflix? Like, I know they already got the Warner Bros Discovery studio deal but still, it's a big win! And Trump's all about the "one company too big" thing, sounds like a total buzzkill to me. I'm curious what his economists said that made him change his mind, and btw has anyone checked if he sold those $2m bonds already?

can't believe trump is just gonna sit back and let these two huge corporations crush it meanwhile netflix is literally already set to buy warner bros discovery for 72 billion dollars lol what a joke

I don’t usually comment but I think it’s a bit weird that Trump is just gonna sit back on this one. Like, what if the Justice Dept doesn't handle it right? It's not like Netflix and Paramount Skydance are tiny players, they're big companies with huge amounts of power. And Trump just says "oh, someone else will figure it out"?

so its funny how trump says hes not gonna interfere but we all know what happens when the guy in charge wants somethin meanwhile sarandos is over here like yay competition but honestly can we talk about trumps financials for a sec $2 million in bonds? thats some suspicious stuff anyway back to netflix and warner bros discovery, its gonna be wild when the votes come in i wonder if sarandos will get roasted again for his responses

Ugh , can't believe how messy this whole thing is getting. I mean, I get it, market concentration is a real concern, but does Trump have to be so hands-on about it? Newsflash, Mr President: you're not exactly known for your expertise on the topic . And now that he's decided to back off, Netflix is breathing a sigh of relief. But let's be real, this deal still needs to go through regulatory checks, and Sarandos has got some 'splainin' to do . Still, kudos to Trump for taking a step back...but I'm not holding my breath on him making any actual informed decisions

omg, like, Trump is finally learning how to not be a total drama queen about everything I mean, who wouldn't want to back off from a major media merger? it's not like he was trying to single-handedly decide the fate of Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery or anything now that he's stepped aside, I'm sure the Justice Department will handle the regulatory issues and all will be well... fingers crossed!