Netflix Co-CEO Responds to Trump's Call for Susan Rice's Removal

In February 2024, President Donald Trump publicly called for Netflix to remove Susan Rice from its board of directors, labeling her a "racist" and a "political hack." This demand was made via a post on Truth Social, where Trump criticized Rice's qualifications and threatened consequences for the streaming service if they did not comply. Rice, who previously served as national security adviser under President Barack Obama, has been a controversial figure due to her political affiliations and past statements.

The Independent

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed Trump's demand during an interview with Politico while in Brussels for discussions with European regulators. Sarandos characterized Trump's comments as "not ideal" but emphasized that he did not view them as crossing a line. He stated, “He does a lot of things on social media,” indicating that he considers Trump's remarks to be part of the broader noise of social media discourse. Sarandos expressed confidence in Rice's role at Netflix, suggesting that the company would not act on Trump's request.

The Independent

Susan Rice joined Netflix's board in 2018, left to serve in the Biden administration, and returned after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Her presence on the board has drawn criticism from some conservative commentators, including far-right activist Laura Loomer, who accused Rice of threatening backlash against corporations that align with Trump’s agenda. Loomer’s comments contributed to the context of Trump's demand, framing Rice as an embodiment of what some perceive as corporate liberalism.

The Independent

Sarandos noted that his discussions with Trump during a recent White House meeting focused on industry-related topics, including Netflix's aborted acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and Trump's tariff policies affecting the film and television industry. He remarked, “I think it’s very healthy that the president of the United States speaks to business leaders about industries that are important to the economy.” Sarandos advocated for production incentives over tariffs, suggesting that states with favorable incentive programs attract more production.

The Independent

Critics of Rice and Netflix, particularly from conservative circles, argue that her board membership represents a broader trend of corporate America aligning with progressive politics. Loomer’s accusations of Rice threatening political retribution reflect a sentiment among some that companies like Netflix are not neutral but rather politically motivated.

The Independent

While Sarandos dismissed Trump's demand, the reaction from other industry leaders and the broader public remains mixed. Some support Sarandos' stance on maintaining Rice's position, while others echo Trump's sentiments, calling for accountability from corporate boards.

The Independent

• “He does a lot of things on social media.” — Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix

The Independent

• “I think it’s really important to be able to separate noise from signal, and I think a lot of what happens in a world where we have a lot of noise,” — Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix

The Independent

• “But I found my conversations with him were 100 percent about the industry, protecting the industry.” — Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix

The Independent

This situation underscores the intersection of politics and corporate governance, particularly in an era where social media amplifies calls for accountability and change.

The Independent