Overview
- Sen. Josh Hawley accused Netflix of pushing a “transgender ideology” in children’s programming without offering specific evidence.
- Sen. Eric Schmitt and Sen. Ted Cruz labeled the company’s output “woke,” citing a conservative report and warning the combined entity could wield propaganda-level influence.
- Ted Sarandos countered that Netflix hosts millions of hours of children’s programming and provides state-of-the-art parental controls to block any title.
- Beyond culture-war claims, senators raised antitrust risks, with Sen. Mike Lee warning the merger could harm labor markets, licensing competition, and platform recommendations.
- Sarandos testified he did not discuss the Warner Bros acquisition with President Trump and said Netflix has met with the DOJ, state attorneys general, and EU regulators reviewing the deal.