MAGA activist Laura Loomer has reignited controversy after warning that Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery could transform the streaming giant into what she calls the “Obama News Network.” Her claims resurfaced shortly after Netflix announced on 5 December 2025 that it had reached an agreement to purchase Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming assets in a deal valued between $72 billion and $83 billion. The merger, which includes HBO, Warner Bros Pictures and DC Entertainment, is one of the largest entertainment acquisitions in modern history.Netflix says the takeover will strengthen its global content strategy and give audiences a unified platform combining blockbuster franchises with premium drama and international originals. Critics, however, including Loomer, see deeper political implications.
Laura Loomer’s warning: A new media empire under the Obamas
In a piece published on her website Loomered, Loomer argued that the Obamas have been quietly rebuilding political influence through their production company Higher Ground, which signed a multimillion-dollar content deal with Netflix in 2018. She claims that the Warner Bros Discovery purchase would expand their reach by placing HBO and other premium outlets under the same corporate umbrella as Higher Ground’s existing partnership with Netflix.According to Loomer, the Obamas’ increased public visibility in recent months is part of a calculated effort to prepare for what she describes as a significant consolidation of media power. She points to Michelle Obama’s recent media appearances and Barack Obama’s criticism of President Trump as signs of a coordinated re-emergence.Loomer also cites political donations made by senior Netflix figures. She highlights CEO Ted Sarandos’ fundraising history for Barack Obama and Democratic candidates, Reed Hastings’ financial contributions to Democrat-led political efforts, and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria’s involvement in Biden-Harris events. In Loomer’s view, these ties indicate that the merger would create a political and cultural pipeline aligned with Democratic interests.Higher Ground’s past productions, including Becoming, American Factory, Crip Camp, We the People and Leave the World Behind, are framed by Loomer as left-leaning content that reflects the Obamas’ worldview. She argues that these projects promote themes of grievance and structural injustice, which she believes signal a broader ideological agenda that could shape media narratives if Netflix secures control of Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming assets.Loomer concludes that the acquisition would consolidate streaming, Hollywood production and prestige television under one dominant platform, a scenario she believes could influence political messaging ahead of future elections.
What is actually happening with the Warner Bros deal
Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery follows months of speculation and a multi-company bidding war that included Paramount and Comcast. The deal gives Netflix ownership of:
- Warner Bros film studios
- HBO and HBO Max programming
- DC Entertainment and its film and TV franchises
- A vast international distribution and licensing network
CNN is not included among the assets being sold to Netflix. Warner Bros Discovery is planning to spin off its cable and linear networks, including CNN, into a separate company often referred to in reporting as Discovery Global. Those news and cable assets will remain distinct from the studio and streaming businesses that Netflix has agreed to acquire, so CNN will continue as a separate news business rather than becoming part of Netflix’s portfolio.The acquisition still requires regulatory approval in the US and Europe. Lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Darrell Issa, have raised concerns about the merger creating an entertainment monopoly. Industry groups are also questioning what this means for theatrical releases, creative independence and competition within the streaming market.Netflix has said it intends to maintain Warner Bros’ theatrical commitments and preserve HBO’s identity as a premium storytelling brand. The company argues that the merger will boost investment in large-scale productions and international content, citing recent examples such as the ambitious Argentine sci-fi series The Eternaut.
A political flashpoint in a historic media shift
While Loomer’s argument is rooted in political critique, the broader conversation reflects anxiety across multiple sectors. Traditional cinema advocates fear further decline in theatrical box office revenue. Creators are concerned about how algorithm-driven decisions might affect artistic risk-taking. Political commentators, meanwhile, are questioning the influence of corporate media consolidation on public discourse.What remains clear is that Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery marks a defining moment for the entertainment industry. Whether it becomes the foundation for what Loomer calls an “Obama News Network” or simply a new phase of global streaming competition is a debate that will continue to unfold as regulators, politicians and audiences respond to a merger of unprecedented scale.
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