Last month the Trump administration chose to withdraw from the lawsuit that began under the Biden administration. The US blindsided states by revealing a settlement with Live Nation during the trial, leaving the states to assume the lead role.
“The Trump administration gave up the fight and tried to let these companies off the hook,” Arizona AG Kris Mayes said today. “We kept fighting for every Arizonan who has been overcharged by this illegal monopoly — and we won.”
As part of the settlement, the Trump administration agreed to stop seeking a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The deal reportedly included changes to business practices and civil penalties of up to $280 million for states that chose to join. But only six states signed on, and they are said to receive a combined $18.6 million.
Former Trump official praises state attorneys general
Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota joined the Trump administration’s settlement. The litigation against Live Nation was continued by the District of Columbia and 33 states: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Gail Slater, who served as an assistant attorney general and led the Justice Department’s antitrust division from March 2025 to February 2026, congratulated the states on the victory. Slater, a Trump nominee who appeared to favor tougher antitrust enforcement, resigned in less than a year. News reports say she was forced out after disagreements with senior Trump officials.
