AG-Designate Gaetz's Surprising Alignment With The New Antitrust Movement—And What It Could Mean

On the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to bring about the "most aggressive regulatory reduction" in US history, suggesting a break from the Biden Administration's focus on curbing corporate power. However, President-elect Trump's choice for Attorney General, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, has actually expressed surprising alignment with—and support of—key Biden antitrust and regulatory officials and actions.

In fact, a review of Congressman Gaetz's public record indicates that under his leadership, the Department of Justice's antitrust philosophy could bear strong resemblance to the current approach. Gaetz has emerged as a vocal ally of both DOJ Antitrust Chief Jonathan Kanter and Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, who have each taken significant antitrust, pro-consumer actions during their tenures. While other Republicans have also expressed support of Khan in particular—including Vice President-elect J.D. Vance—if confirmed as Attorney