Justice Department Unveils Task Force Aimed at Tackling Anticompetitive Regulations and Bureaucratic Hurdles

March 27, 2025 TruthUSA

The new initiative aims to uncover and contest laws and regulations deemed by federal officials to inhibit competition and negatively impact consumers.

On March 27, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the establishment of a new Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force. This task force is dedicated to pinpointing and dismantling laws and regulations that obstruct free market competition across the United States.

Operating within the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, the task force will concentrate on aiding efforts to dismantle what it refers to as “unnecessary regulatory barriers” enforced by state and federal authorities, which adversely affect consumers, employees, and small businesses. The department also plans to gather public feedback during a 60-day consultation period, as mentioned in the announcement.

“Realizing President Trump’s economic vision will necessitate the removal of cumbersome regulations that hinder free market competition,” stated Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater, who oversees the Antitrust Division. “This division will actively oppose detrimental barriers to competition, whether they arise from public regulators or private monopolies.”

The formation of the task force comes in the wake of two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump early in his second term. Executive Order 14192, enacted on January 31, declared it a priority for the executive branch to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens. Executive Order 14219, signed on February 19, mandated agencies to review all regulations and identify those that impose excessive burdens on small businesses or obstruct private enterprise.

The task force will initiate a public inquiry to gather insights on laws and regulations that hinder business competition, especially in crucial sectors such as housing, transportation, food and agriculture, healthcare, and energy, as detailed in the announcement.

In the housing sector, the DOJ pointed to escalating costs and regulatory barriers to construction and homeownership. In the transportation sector, it highlighted antitrust protections and monopolistic systems that inflate consumer prices.

Officials noted that grocery prices soared by 27 percent during the previous administration and posited that eliminating anticompetitive regulations might alleviate financial pressures on families. They also emphasized that healthcare regulations tend to encourage consolidation and overcharging, while energy regulations could hinder innovation and escalate utility expenses.

The public is invited to submit comments to Regulations.gov until May 26. The DOJ welcomes feedback from consumers, businesses, advocacy organizations, and other individuals affected by these laws and regulations.

The task force will collaborate with both state and federal agencies while continuing the Antitrust Division’s prior initiatives to promote competition in regulatory matters, as stated in the announcement. This includes filing amicus briefs, commenting on proposed legislation, and providing technical assistance to agencies assessing regulatory implications.

In a report released in 2018, the DOJ highlighted how certain regulations could harm competition and has since provided comments supporting deregulatory measures in areas such as energy and licensing.

The Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force aims to enhance these efforts, with the DOJ stating its commitment to fostering economic opportunities through competition.

The division will persist in opposing regulations that restrict market entry, protect established entities, or otherwise limit consumer options and innovation.

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