Netflix’s planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio and HBO streaming assets has drawn its first high-profile political reaction, with U.S. President Donald Trump signalling potential antitrust concerns. Speaking at an economic forum in Washington, Trump noted that the scale of the combined entity warrants closer examination, even as he stopped short of taking a formal stance.
Trump pointed to the streaming giant’s expanding influence, remarking that the proposed merger involves “a big market share” and “could be a problem,” depending on the economic and regulatory assessments still to come. His comments add new political weight to a deal that was already expected to undergo a rigorous antitrust review.
A Deal That Reshapes Streaming Power Dynamics
Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery announced the agreement on Friday, outlining a deal that would consolidate some of the industry’s most valuable franchises under a single streaming umbrella. The proposed portfolio includes Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, DC Universe titles, and Warner’s century-old film library — assets that could significantly expand Netflix’s competitive moat.
Industry analysts say that folding Warner’s production engine and HBO’s prestige programming into Netflix’s platform could reshape the global content market. The acquisition also arrives at a time when streaming platforms are under pressure to control rising production costs and retain subscribers in a more cautious consumer environment.
Key factors drawing regulatory attention include:
- Content concentration across global premium franchises
- Market share dominance in U.S. and international streaming
- Bundling power that could squeeze smaller competitors
- Consumer price effects if Netflix expands its pricing tiers
Competition authorities in the U.S., U.K., and EU are expected to scrutinize the vertical integration of production assets with distribution scale, a structure historically associated with anticompetitive risk.
Regulators Prepare for a High-Stakes Review
The merger still requires formal approval, and early industry reactions suggest the process may be lengthy. Smaller studios and independent producers have privately raised concerns about diminished bargaining power, according to people familiar with the sector. Analysts say regulators may demand concessions, including potential divestitures or commitments to maintain licensing access for third-party distributors.
Trump’s remarks, while measured, underscore how politically sensitive mega-mergers have become in an era of rising scrutiny over Big Tech and media consolidation. The administration has not indicated whether it will endorse or challenge the deal, but economists expect the antitrust review to be one of the most decisive in the streaming industry’s history.
For now, both companies remain committed to closing the acquisition, positioning it as a transformative step toward building a more resilient and globally diversified entertainment platform.
