Gail Slater Poised for Key Role in Trump Administration’s Antitrust Policy

What’s Cooking in Trump’s Kitchen? A Taste of Antitrust Policy

Ah, the sweet smell of politics! It seems we have delightful news stirring in the cauldron of the Trump administration. An Irish woman who has had more experience in tech than most people have had with the Irish weather is now in the running for a prominent role in the President-elect’s crew. Meet Gail Slater, a woman who is not just surviving but thriving amongst the titans of tech policy. If there were an Olympic event for navigating the murky waters of government and corporate America, she’d certainly take home the gold.

The Nitty-Gritty of Slater’s Role

So, what exactly is this legal eagle up to? Well, she’s advising JD Vance, the Vice President-elect, as they gear up for their next act. Slater is crafting an extensive “who’s who” list of candidates for the Federal Trade Commission chair—because why wouldn’t you want to pick the perfect bureaucratic sidekick? After all, it’s not just a job; it’s a lifestyle choice—we’re talking antitrust policy people!

While Gail may have her hands full shaping competition policy after the Biden administration decided to play hardball, she’s clearly up for the challenge. It’s almost poetic. After all, this is the woman who has spent more than a decade at the FTC and had a front-row seat to the chaos of big tech.

But Wait, There’s More!

Let’s not forget the spunky departure of Lina Khan, the *Hulk* of antitrust. During the Biden era, she flexed her muscles against corporate giants, making her the nemesis of big business—sort of like if Captain America took on corporate greed instead of Hydra. With Khan expected to jump ship in January, Slater is crashing in just in time with her surfboard to ride the wave of change.

The promise of shaping the future of competition policy—she must be feeling like the star of a reality show! Who wouldn’t want to be in charge of keeping the Google and Meta monsters in check while sipping a cup of Irish tea? And let’s not overlook the assortment of candidates she’s assembling. From an ex-Justice Department attorney to law professors who probably write their own textbooks, the competition for the FTC chair is going to be fierce.

The Irish Touch on American Soil

So why does it matter that Slater’s Irish? Well, this is a woman who’s crossed oceans, holding degrees from UCD and Oxford. She’s spent multiple years at the FTC and even traded a few barbs at the White House in the first Trump administration. It’s like the ultimate travel story, but instead of beaches and cocktails, it’s all about antitrust litigation and tech policies. Who needs a holiday when you could have a seat at the political table?

And let’s not forget her gig with media giants like Fox and Roku! The sheer versatility! She could be like the Swiss Army knife of tech policy—always ready, with a Phillips screwdriver or a can opener, depending on what the situation calls for.

What’s Hanging in the Balance?

Of course, amid all this, there’s some serious drama brewing. The current administration has left a laundry list of antitrust cases hanging in the balance. Both Trump’s and Biden’s teams are looking to tackle the likes of Google, Meta, and the notorious Ticketmaster. The stakes are as high as a tightrope-walker at a circus—one misstep and the whole tent could come crashing down!

The Bottom Line

With Gail Slater potentially leading the charge in the rollercoaster world of antitrust policy, the upcoming administration could take a fascinating turn. As they gather to discuss who best fits the FTC chair’s comfy armchair, remember: it’s not just about who’s in that seat. It’s about sending a message to corporate America that playing Monopoly in the 21st century may require some new house rules.

So, grab your popcorn—this show is just getting started, and we’ve got a front-row ticket to see how our tech landscape might shift and shake under Slater’s watchful eye. Will it end in applause or a collective gasp? Stay tuned.

An influential Irish woman, who previously provided technology policy guidance to the inaugural Trump White House, is poised for a prominent position in the incoming administration of the President-elect. This comes as the political landscape gears up for potential shifts in antitrust regulation and economic policy.

Gail Slater, a distinguished graduate of the UCD School of Law, currently serves as an aide to Vice President-elect JD Vance. She is playing a pivotal role in advising Trump’s transition team on antitrust policy, which includes assembling a shortlist of candidates to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as confirmed by multiple sources close to the discussions. At 52 years old, Slater is also under consideration for a senior role focusing on antitrust issues.

Slater stands at a critical juncture to influence competition policy, particularly in light of a transformative uptick in enforcement activity seen during the Biden administration, which has set new benchmarks for tackling mergers and monopolization. Beyond her antitrust responsibilities, she is expected to provide counsel on broader tech and economic policies, a development first reported by Politico.

Biden’s aggressive FTC Chair Lina Khan has notably emerged as a contentious figure during the electoral period, becoming a target for a group of billionaires advocating for her removal due to her stringent antitrust initiatives. Khan is anticipated to step down in January, paving the way for possible changes in enforcement and regulatory focus.

The roster of potential candidates Slater is compiling for top antitrust roles, including the FTC chair position, features former Justice Department attorney Mark Meador. Others under consideration include Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia School of Law, and Alex Okuliar, a partner at Morrison Foerster, who played a significant role in the government’s antitrust investigation of Google during the earlier Trump administration, according to well-informed insiders.

Holding advanced degrees from UCD and Oxford University, Slater spent a notable decade at the FTC, where she was an adviser to former Democratic Commissioner Julie Brill under the Obama administration, gaining extensive experience in regulatory matters.

After her tenure at the FTC, Slater joined the now-defunct Internet Association, a trade group representing key internet giants such as Amazon.com and Google. She later transitioned to the Trump White House as a special assistant to the president for economic policy, overseeing a diverse range of issues from technology and telecommunications to cybersecurity.

In subsequent roles, Slater was employed by prominent media entities Fox and Roku. Earlier this year, she ascended to Vance’s team, providing strategic advice on antitrust and economic policy as the administration prepares for significant challenges ahead.

Several major antitrust cases are currently poised for resolution, as the Trump administration’s enforcers initiated ongoing monopoly investigations targeting technology giants Google and Meta. In contrast, recent actions brought forth by Biden-appointed officials have targeted significant players such as Live Nation Entertainment’s Ticketmaster, Visa, Amazon.com, and Apple, indicating a complicated regulatory landscape.

Bloomberg