Will Trump stop the DOJ plan to break up Google?

As Donald Trump resumes his role in the Oval Office, all eyes are on his approach to antitrust issues, particularly the DOJ’s case against Google. Under Biden, the Department of Justice launched lawsuits targeting major tech companies, with Google at the forefront due to its dominance in digital advertising and search markets. The DOJ's case against Google argues that the company’s hold on these markets reduces competition, a situation the agency believes could only be remedied by a breakup. Possible DOJ solutions include requiring Google to divest assets like its Chrome browser or ending exclusive agreements with companies like Apple that make Google the default search engine.

Trump, however, appears skeptical of such drastic measures. During an October 2024 address in Chicago, he voiced concerns about the impact of breaking up Google, questioning whether such a move might "destroy the company." His comments suggest that he may lean toward less disruptive solutions, possibly shifting from structural breakups to regulatory adjustments aimed at ensuring fair competition without dismantling Google.

In contrast to Biden’s aggressive antitrust push, Trump’s administration could prioritize a regulatory framework that encourages transparency and market fairness without forcing tech giants like Google to divest core assets. This could mean fewer structural antitrust remedies and more oversight to prevent monopolistic practices, potentially leading to a rollback of Biden-era antitrust momentum.

Additionally, Trump has indicated support for tariffs that incentivize domestic tech production, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. If implemented, these tariffs could affect companies like Apple, which rely heavily on overseas manufacturing. This shift in focus from breakups to broader industry incentives could indicate a significant departure from the Biden administration’s approach to tech regulation, potentially reshaping Big Tech policy for years to come