Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will visit the White House on Thursday for meetings related to his company’s efforts to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a report.
The meeting comes just days after President Trump demanded that Netflix fire board member Susan Rice, who served in the Biden and Obama administrations. It’s unclear if Mr. Sarandos will meet with Mr. Trump.
Mr. Sarandos’ visit comes as Netflix’s bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery intensifies. Warner Bros. has said Paramount Skydance has upped its offer to $31 a share, up from $30 a share, which could force Netflix to raise its bid.
In addition, the Justice Department is investigating Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for potential antitrust issues, raising political and business concerns for the streaming service.
The White House and Netflix declined to comment on the meeting, which was first reported by Politico.
“We do not discuss private meetings that may or may not be happening,” a White House official told The Washington Times.
Mr. Trump has been outspoken about the Netflix deal. In a Truth Social post last week, he called for the streaming company to fire Ms. Rice, warning it could “pay the consequences” if it doesn’t.
“Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, immediately or pay the consequences. She’s got no talent or skills — purely a political hack! Her power is gone and will never be back. How much is she being paid and for what?” he wrote.
Mr. Trump’s post was in response to Ms. Rice’s comments on a podcast in which she said media outlets and law firms that “bent the knee” to Mr. Trump could face consequences if Democrats return to power.
Mr. Sarandos brushed off the president’s threat.
“This is a business deal. It’s not a political deal. This deal is run by the Department of Justice in the U.S. and regulators throughout Europe and around the world,” the executive told the BBC.
Just hours after Paramount raised its bid on Tuesday, CEO David Ellison appeared at the State of the Union as a guest of Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican and close Trump ally.
Mr. Sarandos held a private meeting with Mr. Trump in November.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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