US President Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over Netflix’s ambitious bid to acquire Warner Bros., suggesting the streaming giant’s market dominance may already be too vast for federal regulators to ignore.

At stake is a staggering $83 billion (approx. KES 10.8 trillion) consolidation that would fundamentally reshape the global entertainment landscape. For Kenyan subscribers, this potential monopoly on premium content—merging the libraries of Harry Potter and Batman under one digital roof—raises critical questions about future subscription pricing and access in a market already navigating the complexities of digital service taxes.

A Question of Dominance

Speaking at the Kennedy Center Honors awards ceremony on Sunday, President Trump did not mince words regarding the deal’s viability. He noted that Netflix already commands "a very large market share," explicitly warning that further consolidation "could be a problem."

"I'll be involved in that decision," Trump asserted, signaling a hands-on approach to the antitrust review process. His comments suggest that despite a generally pro-business stance, the administration is wary of allowing a single entity to corner the streaming market.

The President’s skepticism comes with a layer of complexity. In the same breath, he lavished praise on Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House. Trump remarked that Sarandos has "done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies," highlighting the tension between personal rapport and regulatory duty.

The Content Monopoly

If the deal clears regulatory hurdles, it would mark the most significant media merger of the decade. Netflix would absorb HBO Max and the legendary Warner Bros. studios, effectively locking down a century of cinema history. The acquisition includes:

• Classic Cinema: Timeless staples like Casablanca and Citizen Kane.
• Modern Blockbusters: Recent global hits such as Barbie.
• Franchise Powerhouses: The entire Harry Potter wizarding world and the Lord of the Rings saga.
• DC Studios: The exclusive home of cultural icons like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

However, the deal is structured to avoid a total media monopoly. It explicitly excludes linear television assets. Channels such as CNN and Discovery would be spun off from Warner Bros. prior to the sale, a move likely designed to appease regulators concerned about news media concentration.

As the Federal Trade Commission begins its scrutiny, the entertainment industry—and millions of viewers from Nairobi to New York—must wait to see if the "Red N" will be allowed to become the undisputed king of Hollywood.