President Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz to serve as US attorney general has raised concerns for Google and other Big Tech firms accused of maintaining monopolies. Gaetz’s confirmation is not guaranteed, as his nomination has shocked many Republican lawmakers due to allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. However, if confirmed, Gaetz would have a significant impact on the Department of Justice’s handling of pending antitrust cases against Google and Apple.
Gaetz, known as one of the GOP’s leading voices on antitrust issues, has been a strong critic of Google, referring to the company as “the internet’s hall monitors” who engage in censorship and suppress conservative views. A tech policy insider believes that Gaetz’s appointment as attorney general would mean continued aggressive antitrust enforcement against Big Tech firms, which began under Trump and continued under Biden. Trump has expressed reluctance to break up Google but remains critical of the company and intends to ensure they are “more fair.”
Despite Trump’s hesitance to break up Google, a Gaetz-led DOJ could pursue behavioral remedies that would disrupt the company’s business model without demanding a forced breakup. Most of the proposed remedies in the DOJ’s Google search case focus on changing business practices rather than breaking up the company. A litigator in antitrust law expects the Trump administration to continue enforcement actions against Big Tech, particularly Google, while potentially being more lenient on merger review policies.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Gaetz commended Justice Department antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter for bringing lawsuits against Google, acknowledging the monopoly power of the tech giant as a threat to the republic. Gaetz has been proactive in his actions against Google, such as sending a letter warning the company to comply with court rulings related to its online search monopoly. He has also supported bipartisan efforts to pass antitrust bills in Congress, showcasing his dedication to addressing antitrust concerns in the tech industry.
Gaetz has described himself as a “Khanservative,” supporting the aggressive enforcement tactics of the outgoing FTC chair Lina Khan. The Florida Republican has shown support for banning noncompete agreements and partnering with Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on measures to restrict lawmakers from owning stocks. Gaetz’s resignation from Congress following his nomination as attorney general signifies a shift in his role, where his influence on antitrust enforcement against Big Tech firms, particularly Google, is expected to have a lasting impact in the coming years.
