Sen Elizabeth Warren calls Netflix $72B Warner Bros Discovery deal an 'anti-monopoly nightmare'
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA: Following the announcement by Netflix has struck a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming assets, Senator Elizabeth Warren immediately condemned the transaction, calling it an “anti-monopoly nightmare.” Her reaction reflects a broader wave of opposition from lawmakers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals who fear the deal could stifle creativity and reduce consumer choice.
Elizabeth Warren opposes Netflix-Warner Bros Discovery deal
NEWS: Netflix is trying to buy Warner Bros.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 5, 2025
This deal looks like an anti-monopoly nightmare.
A Netflix-Warner Bros. would create one massive media giant with control of close to half of the streaming market. It could force you into higher prices, fewer choices over what and how…
Netflix is attempting to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that Warren described as a major antitrust concern.
“This deal looks like an anti-monopoly nightmare,” Warren tweeted on December 5, 2025.
She warned that a combined Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery would create one massive media giant controlling nearly half of the streaming market, potentially forcing Americans into higher subscription prices and fewer choices over what and how they watch, while putting American workers at risk. Warren has consistently supported strong antitrust enforcement to protect both consumers and workers.
Lawmakers push back on Netflix $72B acquisition
Learning about Netflix’s ambition to buy its real competitive threat—WBD’s streaming business—should send alarm to antitrust enforcers around the world
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) December 4, 2025
This potential transaction, if it were to materialize, would raise serious competition questions—perhaps more so than any… https://t.co/hnbLZOwgjI
Opposition to the deal extends beyond Democrats. Republican Senator Mike Lee highlighted that Netflix acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming assets “should send alarm to antitrust enforcers around the world,” noting that the consolidation could diminish opportunities for content creators and reduce consumer choice.
Other Republicans, including Senator Roger Marshall and Representative Darrell Issa, also criticized the deal last month, arguing that diminished competitive pressure could lead Netflix to release fewer movies in theaters and consolidate power over the streaming market.
Netflix argued that the acquisition would create jobs and provide the company’s more than 300 million subscribers “more bang for their buck” by expanding content offerings during a period when the administration is focused on affordability and consumer savings. However, these claims have drawn skepticism from both parties in Congress.
DOJ to review Netflix-WBD deal for antitrust
The $72 billion deal is likely to face heavy scrutiny from the Department of Justice, not only because of its size but also because adding HBO Max’s 128 million subscribers to Netflix’s existing subscriber base would create a formidable media player.
Antitrust reviews can take months and require companies to submit extensive data, including internal assessments of market competition. Netflix estimates the deal could close in 12 to 18 months.
“We’re highly confident in the regulatory process. This deal is pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker, it’s pro-creator, it’s pro-growth,” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said after announcing the agreement.
