President Donald Trump addressed the issue of price gouging at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2025. In response, he signed an executive order on Monday to tackle ticket price-gouging in the live entertainment industry. The order mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to collaborate with Attorney General Pam Bondi to enforce competition laws within the concert and entertainment sector, promoting price transparency for consumers throughout the ticket-purchasing process.
Musician Kid Rock, known for his appearance at the Republican National Convention, was present during the signing in the Oval Office. Trump acknowledged Kid Rock’s concerns about inflated ticket prices and emphasized the need for fair pricing to benefit fans. He highlighted the detrimental impact of bots purchasing tickets in bulk and reselling them at exorbitant prices, enriching unscrupulous actors.
The executive order also seeks to bolster enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, a legislation aimed at combating bot usage for ticket resale. This initiative gained momentum following the controversy surrounding the resale prices of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour tickets, which reached staggering amounts. Notably, the issue of price gouging has prompted legal action against Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, for allegedly exploiting its market dominance to the detriment of consumers.
Live Nation expressed its support for the executive order, emphasizing the need for reform in ticket resale practices to prevent scalping and bot interference. The order aligns with previous efforts by the Biden administration to address excessive fees in the concert ticketing industry, reflecting a broader push for consumer protection and fair pricing.
The live concert and entertainment sector plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, contributing billions of dollars and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Trump’s executive order represents a proactive step towards safeguarding consumers’ interests and promoting a more transparent and equitable ticket-buying experience.
