Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is set to visit the White House as negotiations intensify around the company’s proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The high-level meetings come amid mounting political pressure tied to the blockbuster media deal.

Former President Donald Trump publicly called on Netflix to remove board member Susan Rice, escalating the situation on his social platform.

Sarandos pushed back firmly, insisting the acquisition is strictly a business transaction, not a political one.

The proposed deal would significantly expand Netflix’s studio assets and streaming portfolio, reshaping the competitive media landscape.

Meanwhile, rival bidder Paramount Skydance has complicated negotiations by raising its offer, prompting Warner Bros. Discovery’s board to evaluate whether a superior proposal exists.

Under the existing agreement, Netflix would receive a four-business-day window to revise its bid if the board determines another offer is stronger.

The political optics deepened after Paramount CEO David Ellison appeared as a guest of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at the State of the Union address.

Beyond corporate rivalry, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division is reviewing Netflix’s market power and dealmaking activity.

Sarandos has countered monopoly claims by citing data from Nielsen’s “The Gauge”, arguing Netflix accounts for roughly 9% of total TV usage.

Despite the political noise and regulatory review, Netflix has declined further public comment as negotiations enter a critical phase.