Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, has come under fire from conservative subscribers after donating $7 million to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. This significant financial support of Harris has led to a spike in subscription cancellations, with many Trump supporters voicing their disapproval on social media.
According to data shared by Bloomberg, Netflix’s cancellation rate in the U.S. nearly tripled after Hastings’ donation was made public. This increase coincided with the company’s decision to eliminate its cheapest subscription tier, adding to the frustration among customers. The hashtag #CancelNetflix quickly gained traction among Trump supporters calling for a boycott of the streaming service.
Hastings’ endorsement of Harris was one of the earliest from a major tech leader, and he posted on X, “Congrats to Kamala Harris — now it is time to win.” While his support may have resonated with some voters, it has alienated a portion of Netflix’s subscriber base, particularly those who align with Trump’s political views.
As Harris holds a narrow lead over Trump in recent polling, with 49.1% to 47.1%, the political landscape remains highly competitive. The reaction to Hastings’ donation serves as a reminder of how political endorsements can impact businesses, especially in an era of polarized politics.
