Trump Administration's Antitrust Policies Face Reality Check

The Trump administration’s antitrust honeymoon is over, as the Justice Department’s acting antitrust chief Omeed Assefi delivered a stern warning to corporate actors, stating that it’s not personal, but strictly business when enforcing laws against monopolies and unfair practices. In a speech at George Washington University event co-hosted with MLex, Assefi emphasized that his agency is taking a strong stance against companies engaging in anti-competitive behavior, while also remaining open to reasonable negotiations to achieve the best possible outcomes. The remarks come as months of criticism mount over alleged leniency towards corporate lobbyists and weak settlements, sparking debate about the true intentions of the Trump administration’s antitrust policies.