President-elect Donald Trump nominates Gail Slater to lead the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, signaling a strong stance against Big Tech.
At a Glance
- Trump nominates Gail Slater, a former FTC staffer and Trump administration economic adviser, to head DOJ’s Antitrust Division
- Slater’s appointment aims to enforce competition laws and address perceived monopolistic practices in the tech industry
- Trump emphasizes the need to rein in Big Tech’s influence and protect smaller companies
- The nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to enhancing American competitiveness in the tech sector
Trump’s Bold Move Against Big Tech
In a decisive move to tackle what he perceives as unchecked power in the technology sector, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Gail Slater to lead the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. This appointment signals a renewed focus on regulating major technology platforms and enforcing competition laws in the digital economy. – Source
Slater, a former Federal Trade Commission staffer and Trump administration economic adviser, brings a wealth of experience from both government and the private sector. Her nomination underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing concerns about monopolistic practices and promoting free-market competition in the tech industry.
Donald Trump signaled a full steam ahead approach to reining in major technology platforms with the announced nomination of former FTC staffer and Trump administration economic adviser Gail Slater to run the DOJ's Antitrust Division. https://t.co/YVYnVz9FCG
— Law360 (@Law360) December 4, 2024
A Strong Stance on Tech Regulation
Trump’s decision to nominate Slater reflects his administration’s broader strategy to curb the influence of Big Tech companies. The President-elect has been vocal about his concerns regarding the power wielded by major technology platforms, accusing them of stifling competition and infringing on the rights of Americans and smaller tech firms.
“Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech” – Trump
Slater’s appointment is expected to continue and potentially intensify ongoing antitrust cases against tech giants like Apple and Google. The DOJ’s Antitrust Division, under her leadership, will likely play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of the tech industry.
Balancing Vigorous Enforcement with Fair Competition
While emphasizing the need for strong antitrust action, Trump has also stressed the importance of fair enforcement. He expressed confidence in Slater’s ability to strike this balance, ensuring that competition laws are applied rigorously while also fostering an environment that encourages innovation among leading companies.
“Gail will help ensure that our competition laws are enforced, both vigorously and FAIRLY, with clear rules that facilitate, rather than stifle, the ingenuity of our greatest companies” – Trump
Slater’s diverse background, including her work with companies like Fox and Roku, is seen as an asset in understanding the complexities of the tech industry. Her experience is expected to inform a nuanced approach to antitrust enforcement that considers both the concerns of smaller tech companies and the innovative potential of larger firms.
Looking Ahead
As Slater prepares to take on this crucial role, pending Senate approval, the tech industry and market observers are closely watching for indications of how the DOJ’s antitrust policies might evolve. The nomination represents a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the competitive landscape of the American tech sector and address long-standing concerns about the concentration of power among a few dominant players.
While Slater has not yet publicly commented on her nomination, her appointment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and beyond. As the DOJ continues its ongoing antitrust cases and potentially initiates new ones, Slater’s leadership will be instrumental in defining the future of competition in the digital age.
Sources:
- Trump Nominates Big Tech Critic Gail Slater for Antitrust at DOJ
- Trump Nominates Gail Slater to Lead DOJ’s Antitrust Division
