Trump Says He’ll Stay Out of Netflix, Paramount Skydance Fight to Take Over Warner Bros. Discovery

President Donald Trump said he will not personally intervene in the escalating battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, reversing earlier comments and deferring decision‑making to the U.S. Department of Justice amid competing bids and antitrust scrutiny.

By Robert Kim – Staff Correspondent

Last Updated: Feb. 2, 2026

Trump Reverses Earlier Stance

In an interview with NBC News, President Trump said he has decided not to involve himself directly in the high‑profile dispute between streaming giant Netflix and Paramount Skydance over the future of Warner Bros. Discovery. This marks a notable shift from his statements last year, when he suggested he might weigh in on whether the deals should proceed, citing concerns about market dominance following Netflix’s proposed acquisition. Trump told reporters he had been contacted by representatives from both companies but would leave the process to antitrust regulators at the Justice Department. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Details of the Corporate Battle

The corporate clash stems from Netflix’s plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets — a transaction valued at roughly $82.7 billion — and a rival hostile bid from Paramount Skydance that seeks to take over the broader company. Netflix’s offer focuses on studio, streaming and content divisions, while Paramount’s all‑cash bid is aimed at the full company structure, including cable networks. Both sides are competing for shareholder support as the media landscape braces for one of the most significant entertainment industry deals in years. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Justice Department to Take the Lead

Trump explicitly stated that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will handle review and regulatory decisions tied to the contested bids, and that he will not step in to influence the outcome. The DOJ’s antitrust division must assess whether any deal could substantially lessen competition in the media and streaming sector. Leaving the decision to the DOJ aligns with traditional practice, where mergers of this scale are evaluated by independent regulators rather than subject to direct White House intervention. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Reactions from Industry and Lawmakers

Industry observers noted that Trump’s decision to stay out of the corporate dispute may reduce political pressure on regulators assessing the competing offers. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed views on the potential impact of the merger on competition, content diversity and employment in the entertainment sector. Some critics had raised concerns that Trump’s personal relationships and past public comments about media companies might sway regulatory decisions, making his stated hands‑off approach a notable development. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What Happens Next for the Warner Bros Deal

Even with the president stepping back, the battle is far from over. Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders are expected to vote on the Netflix offer in the coming weeks, and both deals — Netflix’s negotiated acquisition and Paramount’s hostile bid — will need to navigate antitrust review. Regulatory outcomes and shareholder decisions will shape the final path forward for one of the media industry’s biggest potential transformations, with major implications for Hollywood, streaming competition, and the future of iconic franchises under the Warner Bros. banner. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}