Trump Slams Susan Rice, Warns Netflix to ‘Pay the Consequences’

President Donald Trump has called on Netflix to remove board member Susan Rice following remarks she made about corporate accountability and a potential political shift in Washington.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump criticized Rice and urged Netflix to fire her “immediately,” calling her a “political hack.” He questioned her qualifications and compensation, and warned the company to “pay the consequences” if it did not act.

Rice, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and later as national security adviser under former President Barack Obama, made her comments earlier this week during an appearance on a podcast hosted by former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara.

During the interview, Rice said that some corporations, law firms and media organizations that she believes acted in their short-term interests by aligning with Trump could face consequences if Democrats return to power.

“For those that decided that they would act in their perceived, very narrow self-interest … and take a knee to Trump, I think they are now starting to realize this is not popular,” Rice said. She added that companies should not expect Democrats to “forgive” decisions they view as harmful if there is a shift in political control.

Rice said Democrats would not “violate the law,” but also would not “be suckers” if they regain authority.

Trump’s post linked to commentary from conservative activist Laura Loomer, who has criticized Netflix in recent months. Some critics have focused on Netflix’s reported interest in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns about the company’s political and cultural ties.

Rice’s previous roles in the Obama administration have also drawn attention amid the debate. She served at the United Nations during Obama’s first term and as national security adviser in his second.

Earlier this month, Trump told NBC News that he would not be directly involved in decisions over regulatory approval of a potential Netflix-Warner Bros. deal or a competing bid from Paramount Global. In the past, however, Trump has suggested he would play a role, despite the longstanding practice of presidents maintaining distance from Justice Department antitrust reviews.

Trump has also publicly praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, whom he has met several times, including during a White House visit in November.

Sarandos recently testified before a Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee hearing about the potential competitive impact of a merger. While the Justice Department is reviewing the transaction on antitrust grounds, some Republican lawmakers questioned Sarandos about cultural issues, including Netflix content featuring transgender individuals.

Meanwhile, Paramount’s leadership has its own connections to Trump. Investor Larry Ellison has been a longtime associate of Trump, and his son, David Ellison, leads Skydance and is expected to serve as CEO of the combined company in the event of a merger. Paramount’s chief legal officer, Makan Delrahim, previously led the Justice Department’s antitrust division during Trump’s first term.

Rice’s comments were echoed this week when a group of Democratic senators sent a letter to David Ellison requesting that he preserve documents related to Paramount’s dealings with Trump, after he declined to answer certain questions.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between political leaders and major media companies as corporate mergers face regulatory review in a highly polarized environment.