President-elect Donald Trump has nominated antitrust lawyer Mark Meador to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), signaling a shift towards a more populist approach to regulating big business and tech giants. Meador, a Republican, has taken a hardline stance against Google and other corporations, branding them as “monopolists” and advocating for stricter regulations.
Meador’s nomination marks a significant departure from Trump’s first term, when his nominees often favored a more traditional Wall Street-friendly approach to antitrust policy. Instead, Meador appears to be committed to pursuing aggressive action against tech companies, including Google.
The move is seen as a nod to the populist streak that has defined Trump’s presidency-to-be. Critics of Meador’s views on antitrust policy have praised his willingness to challenge the corporate world and promote consumer welfare, but others argue that he remains too closely tied to big business.
Meador’s experience in the private sector and government has equipped him with a deep understanding of antitrust policy, including his work as deputy chief counsel for antitrust and competition policy under Senator Mike Lee. He has also been vocal on social media about his opposition to Google’s dominance in the tech industry.
The nomination is part of a broader shift towards more aggressive antitrust enforcement under Trump’s administration. Meador will join fellow nominee Andrew Ferguson, who was announced as replacement for FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan. The appointment suggests that Trump is willing to take on the corporate world and promote populist policies at the heart of his agenda.
The move has been welcomed by some conservative groups, but others have expressed concerns about Meador’s stance on antitrust policy and his potential impact on regulatory priorities. Nevertheless, the nomination represents a key test of Trump’s commitment to populism and his approach to big business in the coming term.
Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/finance-and-economy/3258161/trump-antitrust-mark-meador-ftc-populism-second-adminstration