Who is Susan Rice, the former national security advisor in Trump's crosshairs?
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has escalated his critique of Netflix by demanding the removal of former national security advisor Susan Rice from its board. Rice, a prominent Democrat with a lengthy career in US foreign and domestic policy under Democratic administrations, has been a vocal critic of Trump and his policies. Her presence on Netflix's board appears to have drawn Trump's attention as the streaming giant navigates antitrust scrutiny and plans to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Rice served in senior roles during the Obama and Biden administrations, including stints as US ambassador to the UN and head of the Domestic Policy Council. She has faced significant political scrutiny throughout her career, particularly during the 2012 Benghazi attack investigation and for her involvement in "unmasking" senior Trump officials to uncover ties with the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates. Despite these controversies, Rice was cleared of wrongdoing in subsequent investigations.
In recent interviews and op-eds, Rice has been unyielding in her criticism of Trump and his administration. She has warned corporations against aligning too closely with him, predicting an "accountability agenda" for businesses that "take a knee" to the president. Her comments reflect a broader shift among Democrats to hold corporations and former officials accountable for actions perceived as supportive of Trump's agenda.
This spat between Trump and Netflix highlights the ongoing tensions between the streaming giant and political figures, particularly as Netflix faces increased scrutiny over its business practices. The situation underscores how corporate decisions can become entangled in partisan politics, with potential implications for both Netflix's reputation and Rice's career. For businesses, this serves as a reminder of the risks of aligning too closely with controversial figures or policies.
As the 2024 election approaches, the battle over Rice's role at Netflix could intensify, with Trump likely to continue his attacks on her and the company. This clash not only sheds light on the intersection of politics and business but also underscores how high-profile individuals like Rice can become pawns in broader political struggles. For readers interested in business and politics, this story highlights the delicate balance companies must strike when navigating polarized public opinion.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026