Trump says Netflix will face ‘consequences’ if it doesn’t fire board member Susan Rice | TechCrunch
TechCrunch
by Anthony HaFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has called on Netflix to "pay the consequences" if it does not remove Susan Rice from its board of directors. Rice, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a prominent figure in Democratic politics, recently suggested that corporations aligning with Trump could face accountability under future Democratic leadership. Trump responded by labeling Rice a "racist" and "political hack," urging Netflix to act immediately or face repercussions. He also criticized her lack of talent and questioned her compensation.
Rice's comments were made during an appearance on the podcast "Stay Tuned with Preet," where she warned that companies supporting Trump would not be forgiven for their actions under a Democratic administration. This stance drew sharp criticism from Trump, who shared a screenshot of a post by far-right activist Laura Loomer claiming that Rice's influence could impact Netflix's merger with Warner Bros. The deal, which has raised antitrust concerns, requires regulatory approval. Trump previously pressured Microsoft to fire another high-profile executive, Lisa Monaco, without success.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between political figures and tech companies over issues of corporate responsibility and public perception. Trump's demand for Rice's removal reflects a broader pattern of leveraging his platform to influence business decisions, particularly in the tech sector. The outcome could set a precedent for how companies navigate political pressures while maintaining their leadership and strategic initiatives.
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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/22/2026