GOP attorneys general urge DOJ to block Netflix–Warner Bros deal as Sarandos meets White House

WASHINGTON, DC: A coalition of Republican attorneys general has formally asked the Department of Justice to closely examine and potentially block Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. 

The request comes as the Trump administration’s DOJ weighs antitrust implications of the deal and amid an intensifying bidding war with Paramount.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is set to meet at the White House on Thursday, February 26, highlighting the political stakes of the high-profile merger. 

The deal faces scrutiny over competition and broader political tensions, with Trump recently criticizing Netflix publicly. 

GOP Attorneys General warn of monopoly risks and higher prices

Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led an 11-state coalition that sent a letter to the DOJ urging a rigorous review of the deal.

The attorneys general argued that allowing Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery could significantly reduce competition in the streaming and media markets.

“If Netflix is permitted to consummate its acquisition of Warner Brothers, the elimination of competitors and the vertical foreclosure of content library inputs crucial to competitors may lead to, among other things, a monopoly that will charge the State’s citizens higher subscription prices for less content of reduced quality,” the AGs wrote.

The coalition argued the merger could give Netflix an excessive market share, potentially reducing consumer choice and dampening innovation. 

They also flagged alleged ideological bias in Netflix’s programming, echoing Republican lawmakers' claims that the platform caters to left-leaning audiences.  

The letter arrives as Trump’s DOJ, which recently removed the head of its antitrust division, is responsible for reviewing and approving the proposed transaction.

The department has already been examining Netflix’s market power and dealmaking practices.

White House meetings and bidding war intensify political stakes

The antitrust review coincides with a competitive bid from Paramount, aiming to challenge Netflix’s reported $70 billion deal with Warner Bros Discovery.

Paramount recently raised its offer to $31 per share, from $30 and indicated readiness to pay a multi-billion-dollar termination fee.

Warner Bros’ board said Tuesday that no final decision has been made. If Paramount’s bid is selected, Netflix would have four business days to submit a higher offer. 

According to two people familiar with the discussions, Sarandos will attend meetings at the White House on Thursday.

“Top of the agenda: Netflix’s bid for the media giant and President Donald Trump’s demand that Netflix fire board member Susan Rice,” the people said. It was not immediately clear whether Sarandos would meet directly with Trump.

Trump recently called for Rice’s removal in a Truth Social post, warning that if she remains on the board, Netflix will “pay the consequences.”

Rice, who previously served in the Biden administration, said on a podcast last week that corporations, media outlets and law firms that “bent the knee” to Trump could face consequences if Democrats return to power.

Speaking to the BBC, Sarandos sought to downplay the controversy, stating: “This is a business deal. It’s not a political deal.”