DOJ Antitrust Boss Exits Post in the Middle of Netflix/WBD/Paramount Merger Scrutiny
February 12, 2026
The head of the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division, Abigail Slater, is exiting her post as the DOJ investigates Netflix’s pending $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and studio assets.
The DOJ is also investigating Paramount Skydance’s hostile $108.4 billion offer to WBD shareholders for the entire company.
“It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today,” Slater wrote in a Feb. 12 social media post. “It was indeed the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role. Huge thanks to all who supported me this past year, most especially the men and women of @justiceatr.”
Slater was nominated by President Trump to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division after his re-election. She was confirmed by the Senate last March amid bipartisan support.
Earlier this month, Slater elected not to renew the contract of DOJ chief of staff Sara Matar, a decision that was overruled by AG Pam Bondi, reportedly due to Slater’s lack of legal authority to do so.
CBS News reports that Bondi and and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche decided to cut Slater loose following internal disagreements.
“On behalf of the Department of Justice, we thank Gail Slater for her service to the Antitrust Division, which works to protect consumers, promote affordability, and expand economic opportunity,” Bondi said in a statement.
Omeed Assefi has been appointed as interim boss of the antitrust division.
Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!