By Trendsetter Tribune 
WASHINGTON — Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has launched a sharp critique of the sudden takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) by Paramount-Skydance, demanding to know what assurances the White House provided to Netflix executives shortly before they abandoned their competing bid.
Following Netflix’s withdrawal on Thursday, February 26, 2026, which cleared the path for the Ellison family-controlled Paramount-Skydance to acquire the media giant for $111 billion, Warren took to social media to call the merger an “antitrust disaster” and a clear example of “crony capitalism.”
The White House Connection
The senator’s alarm stems from a meeting that took place at the White House on Thursday between Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and senior administration officials—including, reportedly, Attorney General Pam Bondi. Hours after that meeting, Netflix announced it would not raise its offer to match Paramount’s superior bid.
“What did Trump officials tell the Netflix CEO today at the White House? Looks like crony capitalism with the President corrupting the merger process in favor of the billionaire Ellison family.” — Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Feb 26, 2026
Concerns Over Media Control
Warren’s concerns extend beyond the mechanics of the bidding war to the potential impact on public discourse, particularly given that WBD owns CNN.
- Political Influence: Critics worry that the deal allows allies of the administration to seize control of major news outlets.
- Higher Prices: Warren argues the deal threatens “higher prices and fewer choices for American families.”
What’s Next?
With Netflix out of the running, the Paramount-Skydance merger now faces intensive review by regulatory bodies.
- DOJ Review: The Department of Justice is expected to scrutinize the merger for violations of antitrust law.
- Regulatory Fee: Paramount has agreed to a $7 billion fee if the deal is blocked by regulators.