Senators Demand Probe into DOJ Antitrust Shakeup Before Live Nation Trial

Democrats call for records on Slater's exit, citing concerns over political influence in antitrust enforcement

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of Democratic U.S. Senators is demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi turn over records and communications tied to the abrupt departure of former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater, which occurred just weeks before the Justice Department's landmark monopoly case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster is expected to go to trial. The lawmakers argue Slater's forced resignation raises 'significant concerns' about whether the Trump administration will 'see through' major antitrust cases, with the Live Nation-Ticketmaster trial singled out as a flashpoint.

Why it matters

The senators' letter frames Slater's ouster as especially alarming because it came after a bipartisan confirmation process and repeated public assurances that she would be empowered to run the Antitrust Division. The lawmakers argue the episode appears consistent with a broader pattern in which experts and attorneys at the Antitrust Division have been sidelined by DOJ leadership, raising concerns about the politicization of antitrust decision-making.

The details

The senators are demanding detailed logs of meetings, topics discussed, and communications involving Live Nation, the White House, and DOJ leadership as questions swirl over whether political appointees and outside lobbyists are steering enforcement decisions. They cite 'one prominent lobbyist for Live Nation-Ticketmaster' who 'boasted that he directly recommended the firing of Gail Slater' and posted 'good riddance' after her departure, arguing this episode raises 'serious questions' about whether DOJ enforcement decisions are being made through 'objective application of the law and the facts,' or whether outcomes can be swayed by 'a company's ability to exert influence.'

  • Gail Slater's forced resignation occurred just weeks before the Justice Department's landmark monopoly case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster is expected to go to trial.
  • The senators' letter is dated February 14, 2026.

The players

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who the senators are demanding records from.

Gail Slater

The former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust whose abrupt departure is the focus of the senators' concerns.

Live Nation

The entertainment company that is the subject of the Justice Department's landmark monopoly case.

Ticketmaster

The ticketing company that is part of the Justice Department's monopoly case against Live Nation.

Amy Klobuchar, Richard Durbin, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Peter Welch, Adam Schiff, and Mazie Hirono

The group of Democratic U.S. Senators who are demanding the records from Attorney General Bondi.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.