US President Donald Trump has called for Susan Rice to be removed from Netflix’s board of directors, putting political attention on the veteran diplomat and company director. Rice, a longtime foreign policy official, joined Netflix’s board in 2018 and has played a governance and policy oversight role.
Here are five key facts about Rice and the controversy surrounding her.
1. Former National Security Advisor and United Nations Ambassador
Rice served as US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 under Barack Obama. She later became Obama’s national security adviser, helping shape US responses to global conflicts and diplomatic crises.
2. A major role in domestic politics during the era of Joe Biden
Rice returned to government in 2021 as director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. In this role, she helped guide initiatives related to health care access, immigration, and equity-focused programs.
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3. He joined Netflix’s board of directors in 2018
Rice became an independent director at Netflix, where she contributed her expertise in geopolitics, regulation, and international affairs. Board members oversee corporate governance, executive pay, and risk management.
4. Trump’s criticism and political tensions
Trump criticized Rice over national security decisions and her past policy positions. His call for her removal from Netflix’s board comes amid ongoing political divisions rather than any reported violations of corporate governance.
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5. Politics veterans often serve on corporate boards
Global companies often appoint former diplomats and senior policymakers to their boards to navigate regulatory environments and geopolitical risks. Rice’s appointment is consistent with this long-standing institutional practice.
Netflix did not announce any change in the composition of its board of directors, and Rice did not respond publicly to the president’s statements.
