US President Donald Trump called on streaming giant Netflix to dismiss board member Susan Rice "immediately" on Sunday, February 22, 2026, warning the company would otherwise "pay the consequences." The demand, posted on Trump's Truth Social platform, followed controversial comments Rice made during a Thursday appearance on the "Stay Tuned with Preet" podcast, hosted by former US Attorney Preet Bharara.
In the interview, Rice—a former US National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama and a current Netflix board director since 2021—criticized corporations that she said had capitulated to Republican political pressure during Trump's second term. She specifically warned that such companies should not expect forgiveness or leniency from Democrats should they return to power in future elections.
"This is not going to be an instance of forgive and forget," Rice stated. "The damage that these people are doing is too severe to the American people and our national interest." While she did not name specific companies in the released excerpts, her remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to businesses that have adjusted policies, donations, or public stances in response to administration priorities on issues ranging from immigration enforcement and tariffs to content moderation and corporate diversity initiatives.
Trump's response on Truth Social was characteristically direct and inflammatory. He wrote: "Netflix should fire racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences. She’s got no talent or skills - Purely a political hack! HER POWER IS GONE, AND WILL NEVER BE BACK. How much is she being paid, and for what??? Thank you for your attention to this matter."
The post reignited debates over the intersection of politics, corporate governance, and free speech in the entertainment industry. Rice, 61, has been a polarizing figure since joining Netflix's board. Her appointment was praised by supporters for bringing high-level government experience and diversity to the company's leadership but criticized by conservatives who viewed her as emblematic of "woke" corporate culture and partisan bias. She has served on the board's audit committee and has been involved in oversight of content strategy and governance matters.
Netflix has not issued an official response to Trump's demand as of Monday, February 23, 2026. The company has historically maintained a policy of political neutrality in public statements, though it has faced pressure from both sides of the aisle over content decisions, advertising policies, and executive compensation. Rice's annual compensation as a director has typically ranged between $300,000 and $500,000 in cash and stock awards, in line with standard fees for major public company board members, according to Netflix's most recent proxy statements.
The episode highlights the heightened political sensitivities surrounding corporate America during Trump's second presidency. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly used social media to target companies, executives, and public figures perceived as hostile to his agenda. Previous instances include threats of regulatory scrutiny or tariffs against firms accused of "anti-American" practices, as well as public calls for boycotts or leadership changes.
Rice's podcast appearance occurred against a backdrop of ongoing partisan tensions. Democrats have accused the administration of pressuring businesses through informal channels, while Republicans have argued that many corporations previously aligned with progressive causes are now recalibrating to avoid regulatory or political backlash. Bharara, the podcast host and a vocal Trump critic during his time as Southern District of New York US Attorney, framed the discussion as an exploration of corporate accountability in polarized times.
Rice's tenure in the Obama administration included roles as UN Ambassador and National Security Advisor, where she was deeply involved in foreign policy decisions that remain contentious among Trump's base, including the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and responses to the 2012 Benghazi attack. Her Netflix role has occasionally drawn scrutiny for potential conflicts between her political background and the company's global content distribution, particularly in markets sensitive to US political messaging.
Neither Rice nor her representatives have commented publicly on Trump's post. Industry observers note that board members of publicly traded companies are rarely removed at the behest of external political figures absent clear evidence of misconduct or fiduciary breach. Netflix's board operates independently, and any decision regarding Rice's status would require approval from the full board or shareholders.
The exchange has fueled online discussion, with supporters of Trump amplifying calls for boycotts of Netflix content and critics accusing the president of attempting to intimidate private companies. Stock in Netflix (NFLX) showed no immediate significant movement in pre-market trading on Monday, though analysts cautioned that sustained political controversy could affect subscriber sentiment or advertising revenue in politically divided markets.
As the story develops, it underscores the ongoing friction between the Trump White House and institutions—corporate, media, and cultural—that have been accused of opposing or undermining his administration. With midterm elections approaching in 2026, such public confrontations are expected to intensify as both parties seek to define narratives around corporate responsibility, free expression, and political retribution.
