November 17, 2024 - SAN FRANCISCO: The anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House is expected to bring a shift in U.S. antitrust policies, particularly regarding Big Tech and corporate mergers. Experts suggest that the Trump administration will adopt a more lenient approach compared to the Biden administration's stringent measures.
During Trump’s first term, regulators began scrutinizing major tech firms like Google and Facebook. However, the upcoming administration is likely to relax enforcement and be more open to mergers, as key figures from Biden’s regulatory team, including Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter, are not expected to continue.
Trump's recent appointment of Elon Musk to oversee government spending could further influence antitrust policies, potentially reducing regulatory oversight on large corporations. Additionally, the nomination of Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General raises further uncertainty, given his previous criticisms of social media platforms.
Analysts predict a surge in merger activity over the next 12 to 18 months, with the stock market already reflecting optimism. Companies like Capital One and Discover are moving forward with their merger plans, while discussions about the Kroger-Albertsons deal continue amidst legal challenges.
Despite the anticipated shift, experts believe existing antitrust cases against Big Tech will remain active, as public concern about the power of these companies persists. The outcome of a significant case against Google is pending, with a decision expected by August 2025.