The artificial intelligence (AI) industry stands at a crossroads as the new Trump administration prepares to reshape the regulatory landscape. AI antitrust issues are poised to take center stage as the president-elect returns to the White House. While Trump has vowed to dismantle key elements of Biden’s AI Executive Order (AI EO), his approach to AI governance signals a nuanced strategy that balances domestic innovation against international competition, particularly with China.
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New Leadership, New Direction

The incoming administration's key appointments signal its regulatory priorities. Andrew Ferguson, named to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has promised to ease merger standards and reduce regulatory scrutiny of AI-related acquisitions while maintaining strong oversight of major tech platforms. At the Department of Justice, Gail Slater brings a background in technology policy and antitrust enforcement, suggesting a selective approach to regulation that promotes domestic innovation while scrutinizing Big Tech's market power.