Ted Sarandos Shrugs Off Trump’s Call to Fire Netflix Board Member Susan Rice

Ted Sarandos sought to calm tensions after Donald Trump publicly demanded that Netflix remove board member Susan Rice.

Speaking on the Today program Monday, Sarandos largely brushed off Trump’s fiery social media post and steered the conversation back to business.

Trump’s Call for Rice’s Firing

Over the weekend, Trump posted on Truth Social that Netflix should “fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences.” He also questioned her qualifications and compensation.

The post came after Rice said in a recent podcast that companies and media organizations aligning themselves with Trump for short-term gain could face long-term consequences. She argued that such moves may not prove popular or beneficial over time.

When asked directly about Trump’s demand, Sarandos declined to engage in a political back-and-forth.

“This is a business deal. It’s not a political deal,” he said, referring to Netflix’s ongoing negotiations to acquire major entertainment assets. He noted that the process is overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice and regulators in Europe and other regions.

Pressed again, Sarandos responded lightly: “He likes to do a lot of things on social media.”

A High-Stakes Media Battle

The comments come at a crucial moment for Netflix. The company is locked in a fierce bidding war to acquire assets from Warner Bros. Discovery.

In early December, Netflix made an $82.7 billion offer for WBD’s streaming and studio division, including HBO, HBO Max and its film and television studios. Just days later, Paramount Skydance launched a competing bid worth $108.4 billion for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery — and suggested it could go even higher.

Sarandos emphasized that Netflix remains disciplined in its approach.

“We very much like the deal where we’re at right now,” he said. “We’re very disciplined buyers, and we always have been.”

While he declined to say whether Netflix would increase its offer if Paramount raises the stakes again, he described the negotiations as part of a normal “price discovery” process.

Business, Not Politics

Despite Trump’s public criticism of Rice, Sarandos made clear that Netflix’s acquisition strategy is not tied to political debates.

By refusing to comment directly on Trump’s remarks, Sarandos appeared focused on keeping attention on the company’s business goals rather than political distractions.

As the deadline for discussions between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount approaches, the entertainment industry is watching closely. Whether Netflix stands firm or sweetens its offer, the outcome could reshape the global streaming landscape — and test how major corporations navigate politics in an increasingly polarized climate.