Paramount ups bid for Warner Bros. as sale veers into politics - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Meg James

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Paramount has intensified its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery by increasing its offer to $30 per share, valuing the deal at $108 billion. This high-stakes acquisition battle is not just about business—it’s become entangled in politics. Over the weekend, President Trump escalated tensions by demanding that Netflix fire Susan Rice, a former Obama and Biden administration official who sits on Netflix’s board. Trump’s tweet warned of consequences if Netflix did not comply, calling Rice “deranged” and a “political hack.” This move comes amid speculation that Trump is leveraging his influence to sway the Warner Bros. deal in Paramount’s favor. The political dynamics are further evident in Paramount’s strategy. Backed by Larry Ellison’s wealth and ties to the Trump administration, Paramount is attempting to convince regulators and Warner Bros. shareholders that Netflix’s $82.7-billion deal poses risks. The company has enlisted former Trump official Makan Delrahim to lead its campaign, even securing a visit from Sen. Ted Cruz, who praised Paramount’s popular show “NCIS.” Meanwhile, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos downplayed the political angle, calling it a business deal rather than a political one. The battle reflects how corporate mergers are increasingly

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026