Trump’s Antitrust Gambit May Backfire
What the Live Nation Case Says About the Fate of Monopolies Now.
TL;DR
- The Department of Justice and 39 states sued Live Nation for alleged monopoly in the live events industry following its merger with Ticketmaster.
- The DOJ settled with Live Nation after President Trump allegedly intervened and asked for a settlement.
- 32 states refused to settle with Live Nation and later won their case, finding the company guilty of illegal monopolization.
- The Live Nation case demonstrates that states can pursue antitrust lawsuits independently, even against federal government settlements.
- The Trump administration's approach to antitrust has been largely deferential to business consolidation, with few merger challenges and quick settlements.