MAGA influencer sees Netflix’s Warner Bros acquisition as proof of the Obamas' attempt to control all media

MAGA supporter Benny Johnson made unsubstantiated claims that former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are attempting to dominate the media landscape, in light of Netflixs proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

On Friday, Netflix revealed plans to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, including its HBO Max streaming platform, for $82.7 billion. The transaction is still pending, and some experts have raised potential antitrust issues, according to Reuters.

In a statement, Netflix described the acquisition as a union of two major entertainment entities, highlighting the combination of Netflixs global reach and innovative streaming technology with Warner Bros. century-long storytelling heritage.

Johnson, who reaches around 10 million followers across X and YouTube, criticized the deal during an interview on Fox Business with anchor David Asman. He controversially suggested that the Obamas and prominent Democratic donors could gain control over iconic properties like Batman if the merger proceeds.

He cited the Obamas 2018 production agreement with Netflix, accusing them of creating politically driven documentaries. Johnson also pointed to Susan Rice, a former national security adviser and U.N. ambassador under the Obama administration, as a Netflix board member, framing the deal as a media power grab that should face antitrust scrutiny from the DOJ.

On X, Johnson reiterated his claims, arguing that the Obamas, Rice, and major Democratic donors would have influence over classic Warner Bros. franchises such as Batman and Harry Potter.

The Obamas production company, Higher Ground Productions, has collaborated with Netflix on more than a dozen projects since 2018, many receiving critical praise. Notable films include Fatherhood (2021) starring Kevin Hart and Leave the World Behind (2023) with Julia Roberts. The company has also produced documentaries like the NBA series Starting 5, which launched its second season in October.

Author: Sophia Brooks