U.S. Antitrust Policies May Shift Under Trump

As the Biden administration nears its end, U.S. antitrust officials are intensifying efforts against major tech companies like Google and Microsoft, marking what many view as the most aggressive antitrust campaign in decades. The Justice Department, under Antitrust Chief Jonathan Kanter, is preparing significant legal actions aimed at curbing monopolistic practices and scrutinizing mergers within the tech industry. However, with Donald Trump expected to return to the White House, experts predict a shift towards a more lenient approach to antitrust enforcement, with potential reductions in regulatory staff and a focus on promoting corporate mergers. Key figures from the Biden administration, such as Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter, may not continue under Trump, raising concerns about the future of antitrust policies. Trump's advisory role for Elon Musk and the nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General introduce further uncertainties, suggesting a significant policy shift could favor Big Tech. Overall, the future of antitrust regulation appears poised for a dramatic transformation as political powers shift.