Reports suggest that Live Nation executives are bypassing the Justice Department’s antitrust division to engage directly with more sympathetic senior officials in a bid to avoid a monopoly trial. According to sources familiar with the situation, discussions have been held without the involvement of antitrust chief Gail Slater, who is advocating for a trial scheduled for March, taking over the case from the Biden administration.
The lawsuit, initiated by the DOJ and 30 state and district attorneys general in May 2024, aims to dismantle Live Nation-Ticketmaster, alleging that Live Nation’s market dominance unfairly stifles competition in the live entertainment industry. The clashes between the Trump administration’s pro-business stance and Slater’s cautious approach towards corporate mergers have influenced the trajectory of antitrust litigation, as reported by Semafor.
In response to the allegations, a Justice Department spokesperson affirmed that AAG Slater remains actively involved in the Live Nation case, refuting any attempts to manipulate market dynamics. The spokesperson reiterated the department’s commitment to upholding the best interests of the American people and maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
