Netflix has found itself at the center of political debate once more, this time because of its co-founder, Reed Hastings.
Hastings recently endorsed US President Donald Trump’s controversial move to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, arguing that it would “refocus the visa program on very high-value jobs” and remove the need for a lottery system.
While Hastings stressed his three decades of involvement in H-1B discussions, his statement has not gone down well with many in the global tech and immigrant community.
For years, Netflix has built its reputation as a global platform that thrives on diversity, international talent, and cross-cultural collaboration. By aligning, at least publicly, with a Trump policy seen as restrictive and protectionist, Hastings risks alienating the very audiences and workers who power Netflix’s growth.
Social media reactions were swift, with critics pointing out not only factual errors in Hastings’ post, such as calling the fee “annual” when it is actually a one-time charge, but also the potential chilling effect on innovation. Tech companies from Microsoft to Amazon have already warned the policy could slow hiring and drive talent elsewhere.
For Netflix, the optics are troubling.
In recent years, the streamer has faced pushback in India, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East over political and cultural issues in its content. Now, its co-founder’s endorsement of Trump’s immigration stance risks creating a perception of political bias, jeopardizing trust in key international markets.
In a business built on global subscribers, that may be a cost far higher than $100,000.