DOJ Antitrust Chief Gail Slater Steps Down

On Thursday February 12 Department of Justice antitrust chief Gail Slater announced she was stepping down.

Why it matters:

• Slater was instrumental in pushing for the Live Nation-Ticketmaster antitrust case to go to trial.

• As Digital Music News points out, Slater’s stepping down coincides with President Trump’s assertion that he wants Live Nation to assume venue operations at the Kennedy Center.

• It also follows rumors that Live Nation has been lobbying the government to cut a deal to prevent the antitrust case from going to trial.

• Also rumored is that Slater was asked to resign by White House officials, as per Digital Music News.

• Should it proceed, the DOJ case against Live Nation-Ticketmaster is scheduled to begin in March.

What they said:

• Gail Slater: “It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today. It was indeed the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role. Huge thanks to all who supported me this past year, most especially the men and women of [the Antitrust Division].”