FOLLOW US

President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday his intention to nominate Gail Slater, a seasoned policy expert and former Federal Trade Commission staffer, as assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division. The move underscores Trump’s commitment to reining in Big Tech and maintaining competition in the tech industry.

Big Tech Crackdown to Continue

Trump’s announcement, made on his Truth Social platform, emphasized the need for continued scrutiny of major technology platforms such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple. "Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector," Trump stated. He pledged that the DOJ’s antitrust team, under Slater’s leadership, will uphold his administration’s efforts to curb monopolistic practices.

The nomination suggests a continuation of antitrust policies targeting Big Tech, aligning with Trump’s first-term initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on conservative concerns, such as protecting smaller competitors Trump referred to as "Little Tech."

Slater’s Experience

Slater, who most recently advised Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate, has a long history in competition policy. She previously served as a Federal Trade Commission staffer and was a key economic adviser during Trump’s first administration. Her expertise in technology and antitrust issues makes her a strategic choice for the role.

Her nomination signals a commitment to balancing aggressive enforcement against monopolistic practices with efforts to create a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment.

Industry Impact

Under Slater’s potential leadership, the DOJ Antitrust Division is expected to build on existing cases and potentially launch new investigations into anti-competitive behavior by major technology companies. This could lead to further scrutiny of business practices, including those involving censorship, marketplace dominance, and innovation barriers.

At the same time, Slater’s appointment could bring a renewed focus on supporting smaller tech companies and ensuring fair competition across the industry.

Confirmation and Policy Outlook

If confirmed, Slater will take over from Jonathan Kanter, the current assistant attorney general for antitrust. Observers anticipate a shift in tone but not a dramatic reduction in enforcement activity, as the Trump administration aims to refine and extend efforts begun during the Biden presidency.

Slater’s leadership is poised to shape the next chapter of U.S. antitrust enforcement, particularly as it relates to the dynamic and ever-evolving tech sector.