Trump Antitrust Chief Resigns Amid Scrutiny

The head of the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division, Gail Slater, resigned on Thursday, February 13, 2026, amid growing concerns over White House interference in antitrust enforcement and increasing lobbying pressure from major corporations. The departure marks the latest in a series of leadership changes within the division since last summer, raising questions about the future of ongoing antitrust cases against prominent companies like Live Nation, Visa, Apple, Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount.

Slater announced her resignation on social media, stating, “This proves with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today. It was indeed the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role.” Her departure follows reports of tensions with other Trump administration officials, particularly Attorney General Pam Bondi, and accusations that senior DOJ officials have overruled leaders at the Antitrust Division on enforcement decisions, signaling a potential softening of the administration’s stance on anti-monopoly measures.

The DOJ confirmed Slater’s resignation in a statement, with Attorney General Bondi thanking her for her service. “On behalf of the Department of Justice, we thank Gail Slater for her service to the Antitrust Division which works to protect consumers, promote affordability, and expand economic opportunity,” Bondi said. However, the statement offered no explanation for the circumstances surrounding her departure.

Slater’s appointment last year had garnered bipartisan support, initially suggesting a commitment to vigorous antitrust enforcement. The Antitrust Division, responsible for upholding competition laws and preventing illegal monopolies, is currently engaged in several high-profile cases. These include a lawsuit against Live Nation alleging monopolization of the live events business, with a trial scheduled to begin next month, and investigations into Visa and Apple. A significant new case involves the proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros., with Paramount also making a competing bid, adding further complexity to the division’s workload.

The timing of Slater’s resignation has fueled speculation about the fate of these cases. Reports indicate that Live Nation has been engaged in settlement talks with DOJ officials outside of the Antitrust Division, raising concerns about potential political influence. Mike Davis, a Trump-aligned attorney who has reportedly advised Live Nation, publicly welcomed Slater’s departure, stating, “Good riddance.”

The turbulence within the Antitrust Division has alarmed antitrust practitioners, lawmakers, and former officials. The concerns center on the possibility that the White House is prioritizing corporate interests over consumer protection and fair competition. The alleged overruling of enforcement decisions by senior Trump administration officials, as reported by the BBC, suggests a shift in policy direction that could weaken antitrust enforcement.

Omeed Assefi, deputy assistant attorney general, will serve as acting head of the division while a permanent replacement for Slater is sought. The appointment of Assefi is seen as a temporary measure, and the selection of a new leader will be closely watched for signals about the administration’s future approach to antitrust enforcement.

The broader context of Slater’s resignation is a growing debate over corporate consolidation and competition policy. The increasing concentration of market power in the hands of a few dominant firms has raised concerns about higher prices, reduced innovation, and diminished consumer choice. The DOJ’s Antitrust Division plays a crucial role in addressing these concerns, and its effectiveness is vital for maintaining a competitive marketplace.

The situation highlights the inherent challenges of maintaining the independence of antitrust enforcement in the face of political pressure and corporate lobbying. The departure of Slater, coupled with the earlier ouster of two other top officials, underscores the vulnerability of the division to external influences and the potential for political interference in critical antitrust investigations.

The outcome of the ongoing cases, particularly the Live Nation trial and the review of the Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger, will be closely scrutinized as indicators of the administration’s commitment to antitrust enforcement. The decisions made in these cases will have significant implications for the future of competition in the entertainment, technology, and live events industries.

The resignation also comes at a time when the DOJ is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of mergers and acquisitions. The proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Represents a significant consolidation in the media and entertainment industry, and the DOJ’s review of the deal will be closely watched by investors, consumers, and competitors alike. The potential for Paramount to also enter the bidding process further complicates the situation and adds to the pressure on the Antitrust Division.