Justice Department Unveils 'America First Antitrust' Policy

The Justice Department's new 'America First Antitrust' policy, introduced by Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, emphasizes protecting individual liberty from both corporate and government overreach, prioritizing robust law enforcement over regulation. Slater highlighted the historical roots of American antitrust actions and stated the new framework will focus on safeguarding consumer interests in areas such as housing, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, at the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s annual Spring Meeting, U.S. panelists discussed the implications of a revised Hart-Scott-Rodino form, which is expected to increase upfront filing requirements and costs while streamlining anticompetitive merger reviews. The meeting also addressed the retention of 2023 merger guidelines and a growing national focus on artificial intelligence in antitrust enforcement. Panelists noted that resource constraints may affect enforcement priorities, with attention likely to focus on sectors including agriculture, labor, and technology.