Gail Slater, who led the US Justice Department’s antitrust division, left her position on Thursday after experiencing mounting challenges within the Trump administration. Her exit follows months of friction with senior cabinet figures, particularly Attorney General Pam Bondi, who asserted that philosophical differences regarding the division’s direction were irreconcilable. Slater announced her departure with a statement expressing both sadness and hope, indicating she was given the choice to resign or be dismissed.
Tensions escalated notably after Slater attempted to block a substantial $14 billion merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks, a decision that ignited frustration among Trump allies. Critics have positioned Slater as an antitrust purist wary of influences from Trump’s inner circle, while supporters argue she was sincere in her intentions to uphold competition standards. However, her stance against the merger led to allegations that she was prioritizing her agenda over the administration’s business-friendly posture.
In a dramatic development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe later disputed Slater’s claims, stating that blocking the merger could indeed jeopardize national security, which raised further concerns within the department. This revelation complicated Slater’s position, ultimately leading to the decision to withdraw the antitrust suit in favor of negotiating a settlement.
Beyond the merger controversy, interpersonal conflicts manifested in Slater’s refusal to accept Bondi’s directive which denied her request to attend an OECD conference in Paris, an action that reportedly resulted in Bondi canceling her government credit cards.
As Slater departs, Omeed Assefi, who previously served as acting head of the antitrust division, is expected to assume the role on an interim basis. Slater’s tenure, marked by a push for rapid merger reviews, altered the operational landscape of the antitrust division, yet her leadership became increasingly contentious due to rising disagreements and issues of governance.
Despite the challenges faced during her time in office, Slater’s initial appointment was seen as a testament to her legal acumen, having gained significant Senate approval. The development of a new leadership dynamic could signal a shift toward a more cohesive approach within the antitrust division, fostering an environment that balances regulatory scrutiny with business interests.