Trump says Netflix will ‘pay the consequences’ if it doesn’t fire Susan Rice
The Verge
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump has issued a warning to Netflix, threatening "consequences" if the streaming giant does not remove Susan Rice from its board of directors. Rice, a former Ambassador to the UN under both Barack Obama and Joe Biden, recently criticized corporations that took neutral stances during Trump's presidency, suggesting they would face accountability. Her comments were made on Preet Bharara's podcast, where she implied that companies avoiding political controversy could face repercussions.
Rice's remarks have sparked a heated response from conservative circles. Laura Loomer, a prominent right-wing influencer and conspiracy theorist, accused Rice of "threatening half the country with weaponized government and political retribution." Loomer also pointed out that Netflix, which currently includes Rice on its board, may be attempting to distance itself from such politically charged figures amid growing scrutiny.
The situation highlights tensions between politics and corporate leadership in tech. Critics argue that allowing high-profile figures like Rice on Netflix's board could lead to biased decision-making or content censorship, potentially alienating audiences. This controversy underscores broader concerns about the intersection of politics and business, particularly in an industry as influential as streaming entertainment.
For readers interested in tech and consumer technology, this matter highlights the challenges companies face when balancing political neutrality with stakeholder demands. The debate over Rice's role at Netflix also raises questions about content diversity and whether corporate leadership decisions could impact what viewers see on streaming platforms. This issue is likely to continue generating headlines as it evolves, particularly given Trump's ongoing influence in American politics and media.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/22/2026