Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 05 MAY 2026

Merger Enforcement Under Trump 2.0: Challenges, Crystallization, And Criticism

The Trump 2.0 antitrust agencies are reshaping merger enforcement through new settlement tactics and litigation strategies, but face mounting scrutiny over allegations of political interference in high-profile cases.

United StatesAntitrust/Competition Law

The Trump 2.0 antitrust agencies have changed how merger cases are being challenged and resolved. But the agencies’ tactics are not without criticism. States and lawmakers are scrutinizing recent Department of Justice (DOJ) decisions in several high-profile matters in which there are allegations of potential political interference, and conflicting views within the DOJ itself have resulted in the departures of several high-level officials. States and private parties are stepping in to fill perceived federal enforcement gaps. Meanwhile, a Fifth Circuit ruling has forced the regulators to revert to accepting the legacy Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) form while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) appeals the decision.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

See more popular content from