💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Adam Candeub appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing as the Trump administration’s choice to direct the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. The telecommunications law expert and former Federal Communications Commission general counsel would assume oversight of several high-stakes antitrust lawsuits if confirmed, including federal cases against Google’s search market dominance and Apple’s control of its App Store and developer guidelines.
As Antitrust Division chief, Candeub would determine how vigorously the government pursues competition cases against major technology corporations. He has become a prominent conservative voice warning that dominant digital platforms wield excessive power and that regulators have failed to address how technology firms affect competition, free speech and public discourse.
During a March 2023 congressional testimony, Candeub argued that Big Tech’s market dominance undermines democratic participation. He cited the Twitter Files as evidence that major platforms have excluded certain groups from national political discussions, contending this power to silence could be weaponized against any Americans.
Candeub previously advocated for restrictions to Section 230, the federal statute shielding online platforms from liability for user-generated content. During Trump’s first term at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, he led initiatives to narrow these legal protections.
In materials prepared for Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative policy framework for a potential second Trump administration, Candeub noted that large internet platforms have transformed the economy while largely avoiding significant antitrust consequences. He questioned why these companies have escaped prosecution despite their enormous reach.
Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who appointed Candeub as an associate deputy attorney general in 2020, endorsed his nomination. Barr told Fox News Digital that Candeub possesses strong expertise and would apply the law fairly and with balance.
More than a dozen current and former Justice Department officials signed a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee supporting Candeub, emphasizing his background at the FCC, the Office of the Associate Attorney General, the NTIA and as a law professor at Michigan State University. Signatories argued he possesses the intellectual depth and practical judgment needed to address technology sector challenges.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., announced he had recently met with Candeub to discuss merger reviews, Section 230 reform and child online protection measures.
More Stories
Nuclear Experts Warn Trump Administration Against Deferring Iran’s Atomic Program in Strait Negotiations
Election Results Show Voters Reward Clear Messaging Over Experience Alone
Senate Advances Spending Bill to Avert Shutdown as Democrats and Republicans Clash Over Victory