Top DOJ Antitrust Enforcer Departs Weeks Before Live Nation Trial

Gail Slater's resignation comes amid internal strife at the Justice Department's Antitrust Division.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gail Slater, the top antitrust enforcer at the Justice Department, announced her resignation on Thursday, just weeks before the agency's major antitrust trial against entertainment giant Live Nation is set to begin. Slater's time at the DOJ was marked by internal turmoil, including the termination of two of her top deputies amid a clash with the Attorney General's office over the role of lobbyists in merger approvals. Slater was also reportedly sidelined from negotiations with Live Nation executives ahead of the upcoming trial.

Why it matters

Slater's departure comes at a critical time for the DOJ's antitrust enforcement efforts, which include high-profile cases against tech giants like Google and Apple. Her resignation raises questions about the continuity and direction of the agency's antitrust agenda, particularly with the Live Nation trial looming.

The details

Gail Slater, the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, announced her resignation on Thursday, just weeks before the DOJ's trial against Live Nation is set to begin on March 2nd. Slater's tenure was marked by internal strife, including the termination of two of her top deputies amid a clash with the Attorney General's office over the role of lobbyists in merger approvals. More recently, Slater was reportedly 'sidelined' from negotiations with Live Nation executives, with senior DOJ officials taking the lead instead.

  • Gail Slater announced her resignation on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The DOJ's antitrust trial against Live Nation is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2026.

The players

Gail Slater

The former Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General of the United States.

Roger Alford

A former top deputy to Gail Slater at the DOJ Antitrust Division, who was terminated amid a clash with the Attorney General's office.

Bill Rinner

Another former top deputy to Gail Slater at the DOJ Antitrust Division, who was also terminated amid the clash with the Attorney General's office.

Chad Mizelle

The former chief of staff to the Attorney General, who was involved in the clash with Slater's deputies over the role of lobbyists in merger approvals.

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What they’re saying

“It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today.”

— Gail Slater (X)

“MAGA-in-name-only lobbyists' who he said were enabled by select DOJ officials who have 'perverted justice and acted inconsistent with the rule of law.”

— Roger Alford, Former DOJ Antitrust Division Deputy (Unspecified)

What’s next

The DOJ will need to appoint a new leader for the Antitrust Division to oversee the upcoming trial against Live Nation, as well as the agency's other high-profile antitrust cases against tech giants like Google and Apple.

The takeaway

Slater's sudden departure raises concerns about the continuity and direction of the DOJ's antitrust enforcement agenda, particularly with major trials and decisions looming. The internal strife at the agency also highlights the challenges of antitrust policymaking in a politically charged environment.