According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters, the newly appointed head of antitrust enforcement at the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, plans to review the division’s expenditures on costly economic consultants as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce government spending. In addition to this cost-cutting measure, Slater emphasized in a memo to staff that the division’s antitrust efforts will prioritize curbing inflation and promoting competitiveness in consumer markets. The DOJ’s antitrust cases typically involve blocking mergers, breaking up companies, or imposing requirements to prevent anticompetitive practices, often relying on expensive economic experts costing up to $30 million per lawsuit. Slater highlighted the importance of utilizing the division’s in-house economists before seeking external assistance and emphasized focusing resources on markets impacting U.S. consumers and safeguarding competition in sectors vital to national security. Noting the significance of addressing rising prices and pocketbook concerns, Slater stated that the department will prioritize these markets, aligning with Trump’s commitment to combat inflation. Furthermore, she underscored the role of antitrust in fostering competition in critical technological fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and quantum computing, suggesting that these areas may be a focal point for the department moving forward.
