Trump's Antitrust Head Steps Down Amid White House Scandal
Leadership Changes at the US Justice Department
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently experienced a significant leadership shift, with Gail Slater, the head of the antitrust division, resigning amid internal conflicts. This move comes as the department faces scrutiny over allegations that its cases are being influenced by White House-connected lobbyists.
Slater, who was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2025, announced her resignation on the social media platform X. She expressed her decision with "great sadness and abiding hope." Her departure leaves the antitrust division without senior leadership, compounding the challenges faced by the department.
Key Developments in Antitrust Cases
The resignation occurs during a critical time for one of the most high-profile antitrust cases. The DOJ, in collaboration with 40 U.S. states, is set to go to trial in March against Live Nation Entertainment. The goal is to force the company to divest its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster. This case, initially filed in May 2024 under the Biden administration, claims that Live Nation operates an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry by locking venues into exclusive contracts and retaliating against those that use rival ticketing services.
Recent reports have highlighted concerns about the influence of external parties on these cases. According to news outlet Semafor, Live Nation executives and lobbyists had been negotiating directly with senior DOJ officials outside the antitrust division, effectively bypassing Slater. This has raised questions about the integrity of the process and the potential for undue influence.
Controversies and Setbacks
In another instance, a merger of real-estate brokerages was approved despite objections from Slater, prompting speculation about whether the White House was offering pay-for-play merger approvals. This situation has led to increased scrutiny of the DOJ's decision-making processes.
Last year, Slater's team faced another setback when their efforts to challenge the $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks by Hewlett Packard Enterprise were overruled by senior DOJ officials. This decision followed direct lobbying by Trump-connected operatives. Two of Slater’s deputies were subsequently fired for insubordination after resisting the settlement.
Ongoing Antitrust Battles
Similar concerns are emerging in the battle for Warner Bros Discovery. Netflix has agreed to an $83 billion deal, while Paramount Skydance is mounting a rival hostile bid valued at $108 billion, largely financed by Trump ally Larry Ellison. These developments highlight the complex landscape of antitrust enforcement in the current political climate.
One official has warned that companies facing antitrust scrutiny are increasingly hiring Trump-connected lobbyists to influence case outcomes. This trend raises serious questions about the impartiality of the antitrust enforcement process.
Background of Gail Slater
Slater previously served as a policy adviser to Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign and advised Trump’s transition team on antitrust matters. Her departure has drawn criticism from various quarters. Gigi Sohn of the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy commented, “This is a damn shame. Gail is one of the most honest and competent people in this administration, and someone who believes in real antitrust enforcement.”
Implications for Future Enforcement
The resignation of Slater and the subsequent changes in leadership within the DOJ raise important questions about the future of antitrust enforcement in the United States. As the department navigates these challenges, it will be crucial to ensure that the principles of fair competition and legal integrity remain at the forefront of its operations. The ongoing cases and the involvement of external influences underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the antitrust process.
