President Trump Reverses Big Tech and Broadband Oversight Order

The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division welcomed President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke Executive Order 14036, a Biden-era directive with sweeping implications for technology and broadband policy. Issued by former President Joe Biden on July 9, 2021, Executive Order 14036 contained provisions urging the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission to apply stricter antitrust review to mergers in broadband, cable, and Big Tech, warning that consolidation often hurts consumers. The revoked EO 14036 also directed the Federal Communications Commission to restore net neutrality rules, adopt broadband “nutrition labels” and prevent internet service providers from making exclusive deals with landlords to lock out competitors. These policies no longer have the White House’s formal policy backing, which could reduce FCC pressure to advance them.