Press Coverage February 12, 2026

‘Great Sadness’: Gail Slater Announces Sudden Exit as DOJ’s Antitrust Chief

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Bradley C. Weber

Brad Weber, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Business Litigation Practice Group, was quoted in the February 12, 2026 National Law Journal article, “‘Great Sadness’: Gail Slater Announces Sudden Exit as DOJ’s Antitrust Chief.”

  • Gail Slater likely felt pressure from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi or other high-ranking DOJ officials “to do things that she didn’t feel was right and decided her reputation and honor were more important than continuing to serve in the role,” Troutman Pepper Locke partner Brad Weber said of Slater’s sudden departure as the U.S. Department of Justice’s top antitrust enforcer.
  • “Her replacement will understand going in that he or she may not have much independence in making decisions on enforcement and that there will be probably pressure from higher up into DOJ,” Weber added.
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