Who Will Clean Up the Tech Jungle? Gail Slater in the Spotlight
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the Irish woman making waves in American politics! Gail Slater, who apparently has mastered the art of juggling complex tech policies while keeping a straight face, is in the running for a significant role in the impending Trump administration. And let me tell you, this isn’t just your average job application; this is a seat at a table laden with antitrust woes and opinions sharper than a butter knife at a dinner party!
The (Not So Secret) Life of Gail Slater
With a posh education from UCD and Oxford University—because who needs just one degree, right?—Slater has spent the last decade eating, living, and breathing competition policy. She’s worked at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), advising both sides of the aisle, dipping her toes in Democratic waters during the Obama administration, and now getting cozy with the Trump crowd. One might say her career trajectory is like the Golden Gate Bridge—beautiful, somewhat rocky, and definitely connecting two diverse sides.
The Transition Team Tango
Slater is currently assisting Vice President-elect JD Vance, with a big smile and a short list of candidates for the FTC chair position. If she pulls this off, she’ll be the one shaping America’s antitrust policies—talk about high stakes! Given that she’s drawing up a list that includes former DOJ attorney Mark Meador and some academic whiz from George Mason University, she’s probably got a strategy meeting lined up in a Starbucks somewhere, debating who’s got the best power suit for the role.
Biden’s Antitrust Avengers?
Meanwhile, let’s not forget the outgoing admin’s heavy hitters, like Lina Khan, the aggressive antitrust chair who made big business sweat like it was auditioning for a horror film. With her departure looming in January, Slater might find herself replacing a fate even bigger than a Kardashian at a Met Gala—we’re talking competitive policy here, darling!
What’s on the Line?
As the dust settles from the previous administration’s bonanza of antitrust cases against mega-players like Google and Meta, Slater will be bouncing between Capital Hill meetings like a pinball, tasked with untangling the tech regulatory web while keeping a quip or two ready for the cameras. After all, if you can’t laugh at monopolies, what’s the point? With ongoing cases against juggernauts such as Ticketmaster, Amazon, and Apple still in the ether, Slater’s new role could well feel like conducting an orchestra made up entirely of wild animals. Good luck with that!
Finally, A Little Gossip
But wait, let’s sprinkle in some juicy details: Slater has had stints with Fox and Roku, orchestrating plans to deal with tech regulation and fluffy things like cyber issues, while the internet companies she previously represented scoff at any regulation like it’s a bad cheese. As she moves on to Vance’s staff, advising on economic policy, we can only hope she walks in armed with a few zingers to keep the mood light amidst all that serious business.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Competition?
So there you have it, folks! Gail Slater: the woman, the legend, the potential American policy architect, complete with an Irish accent to smooth over those awkward negotiation moments. Whether she can indeed juggle the tech titans of the world as well as she juggles her remarkable career remains to be seen, but boy, is it going to be one heck of a show! Grab your popcorn; this might just be the drama we didn’t know we needed!
Stay tuned, folks; this political saga is only just getting started!
An Irish woman, who played a pivotal role in advising the first Trump White House on technology policy, is poised to secure a significant position in the administration of the President-elect once again.
Gail Slater, a graduate of the prestigious UCD School of Law, is currently serving as an aide to Vice President-elect JD Vance while also providing critical insights to Trump’s transition team on antitrust policy. This includes her work on developing a shortlist of candidates for the role of Federal Trade Commission chair, as revealed by sources familiar with the internal discussions. At 52 years old, Slater is being considered for a high-ranking antitrust position that would allow her to influence policy in this vital area.
Slater is presented with a momentous opportunity to influence competition policy, especially in light of the bold strategies pursued by the Biden administration, which set unprecedented benchmarks in merger enforcement and monopolization legal actions. Additionally, she has been selected to provide broader guidance on technology and economic policy to the new administration, a fact that was previously reported by Politico.
The current FTC Chair, Lina Khan, has been a formidable opponent of large corporations with her rigorous antitrust agenda, which placed her at the center of heated electoral debates when wealthy business figures demanded her removal. Khan is anticipated to depart her position in January, creating a vacuum that Slater could fill.
Trump’s transition team has not responded to requests for comments, and both Slater and Khan have opted not to make statements regarding their potential roles.
Slater’s efforts in compiling a list of candidates for notable antitrust positions, including the FTC chair role, reportedly features former Justice Department attorney Mark Meador, as well as George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law professor Todd Zywicki, and Alex Okuliar, a partner at Morrison Foerster known for his leadership in the government’s antitrust investigation into Google during the first Trump administration.
Holding degrees from both UCD and Oxford University, Slater’s extensive experience includes a decade at the FTC, where she served as an advisor to former Democratic FTC Commissioner Julie Brill during the Obama era.
After her tenure at the FTC, Slater joined the Internet Association, a now-defunct trade association representing internet companies such as Amazon.com and Google. She later transitioned to the White House in the initial Trump administration, working as a special assistant to the president on economic policy, where her responsibilities encompassed technology, telecommunications, and cybersecurity issues.
Later, Slater was engaged by Fox and Roku before joining Vance’s staff this year, where she focuses on advising on antitrust and economic policy.
Several significant antitrust cases are currently in limbo. Trump’s antitrust enforcers initiated ongoing investigations into the monopolistic practices of technology giants Google and Meta. In contrast, officials appointed by Biden have recently pursued substantial legal actions against major corporations including Live Nation Entertainment’s Ticketmaster, Visa, Amazon.com, and Apple.
**Interview with Gail Slater: The Tech Policy Powerhouse Shaping America’s Future**
**Editor:** Welcome, Gail Slater! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s dive straight into it: You’ve had a remarkable career trajectory, from advising both Democrat and Republican administrations to now assisting Vice President-elect JD Vance. What’s been the most surprising part of this journey for you?
**Gail Slater:** Thank you for having me! Honestly, the most surprising part has been witnessing the bipartisan nature of technology policy discussions. Despite the differences in ideology, there’s a shared understanding of the need to address antitrust issues—especially in a tech landscape that’s evolving so rapidly. It’s fascinating to see everyone come together on this front.
**Editor:** You’re in the process of developing a shortlist of candidates for the FTC chair position. Can you share a bit about your criteria for choosing the right person for such a crucial role?
**Gail Slater:** Absolutely! The ideal candidate needs to have a robust understanding of competition policy and a proven track record of dealing with major corporations. It’s essential to find someone who can navigate complex regulations while also being innovative in fighting monopolistic practices. Ultimately, we need a leader who can balance enforcement with growth—someone who can engage with both industry and the public effectively.
**Editor:** Speaking of the public, the outgoing FTC Chair, Lina Khan, has been quite a force in pushing antitrust measures against massive corporations like Google and Meta. How do you plan to approach these significant challenges moving forward?
**Gail Slater:** Every administration brings its own priorities and philosophies. While I deeply respect the groundwork laid by Chair Khan and her team, my approach will be shaped by the specific needs and aspirations of the incoming administration. My goal is to foster open dialogue with industries while also keeping consumers’ interests at heart. It’s about striking the right balance!
**Editor:** The tech industry is constantly changing, and with it, the regulatory landscape. How do you foresee your role evolving to address emerging tech issues and challenges, especially with ongoing cases against companies like Amazon and Ticketmaster?
**Gail Slater:** My role will require me to stay nimble and informed. I anticipate working diligently with legal teams and industry experts to understand the nuances of new technologies and their market impacts. We must be proactive rather than reactive, anticipating challenges before they arise. It’s going to feel a bit like conducting an orchestra—but one with many players who don’t always perfectly harmonize!
**Editor:** Sounds like an exciting undertaking! as someone with a remarkable blend of experience in both law and technology, what advice would you give to young professionals looking to enter the field of tech policy?
**Gail Slater:** Embrace versatility! The tech landscape is interdisciplinary, so a solid foundation in law, economics, and technology will serve you well. Additionally, never underestimate the power of collaboration and communication. Policy-making is as much about listening and building relationships as it is about developing regulations. And always, always have a sense of humor—sometimes you need a good laugh to lighten the mood in serious discussions!
**Editor:** Thank you, Gail! We’re excited to see how you will shape the future of tech policy. Best of luck!
**Gail Slater:** Thank you! It’s going to be an interesting ride, for sure!
