Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has refuted rumors that the company's decision to abandon its deal to acquire Warner Bros. was influenced by President Trump's influence, stating that it was due to a set price they were willing to pay and being outbid by David Ellison's rival offer. He also dismissed claims that the Department of Justice may have influenced the deal, stating they were involved in a normal regulatory process and were involved with 50 other regulatory bodies. The news of the cancellation of the Warner Bros.-Netflix deal led to speculation that the government might influence the outcome of the merger.