### Future U.S. Antitrust Policies: A Potential Shift Under Trump's Expected Return

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - As the U.S. braces for a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House next year, significant shifts in antitrust policies are anticipated. The approach to Big Tech might see substantial changes compared to the intense scrutiny during President Joe Biden's tenure. Experts predict a more lenient stance towards corporate mergers and deal-making under a Trump administration, contrasting sharply with Biden's rigorous oversight.

During Trump's first term, regulators began increasing enforcement on tech giants like Google and Facebook. However, many analysts now foresee a reduction in antitrust zeal with Trump's return. This expected pivot largely hinges on the departure of key figures such as FTC Chair Lina Khan and the Justice Department's Jonathan Kanter, who were central to Biden's aggressive antitrust strategy.

The potential nomination of Elon Musk to an advisory role focused on reducing government spending could lead to decreased resources for watchdogs regulating large corporations. Additionally, Trump's potential choice of Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General adds to the uncertainty. Gaetz, known for his criticism of social media platforms' policies against conservative content, has sometimes advocated for breaking up Big Tech while also backing Trump's causes.

John Kwoka, an economics professor at Northeastern University, predicts profound changes in antitrust policies, noting Musk's possible oversized influence on policy decisions. Whereas regulators are unlikely to drop existing antitrust cases against tech companies, due to broader public concerns about their growing influence, the changing administration may foster negotiated settlements and reduced court battles.

Vanderbilt University law professor Rebecca Allensworth concurs that the drive against Big Tech will persist. Nonetheless, experts believe that companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook might engage in settlements rather than prolonged litigation under Trump's administration.

Antitrust attorney Paul Swanson suggests Big Tech should prepare for negotiated resolutions with the Trump administration, referencing Trump's affection for deal-making, exemplified in his book "The Art of the Deal."

In the wake of Trump's reelection, investors have shown increased confidence, driving up stock market values, particularly for companies involved in mergers announced during Biden's term. A notable example is the merger plan between Capital One Financial and Discover, which saw significant stock value boosts.

Pending mergers, such as the $24.6 billion deal between Kroger and Albertsons, also hang in the balance. The FTC, under Biden, opposed the merger over concerns of reduced competition and higher prices. However, with the ongoing public concern over grocery prices and inflation, it's uncertain whether a Trump administration would significantly alter the FTC's stance.

The coming months promise to be a pivotal period for antitrust policies, with potential shifts hinging on the upcoming presidential administration.