She Was MAGA’s Antitrust Star — Then Her Relationship With Pam Bondi Imploded

Assistant Attorney General for antitrust Gail Slater announced on Thursday that she was leaving her post, bringing an end to a turbulent year in the role that saw her gradually fall out of favor with Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Slater, who gave no explanation for her departure, was lauded at the start of the administration as a tip of the spear for “MAGA antitrust” and the populist economics of Trump 2.0. Several Trump loyalists and populist MAGA allies expressed disappointment at the announcement. But sources told the Caller that it didn’t take long for her relationship with Bondi, and her deputy, Todd Blanche, to deteriorate.

One source familiar with the situation told the Caller that there were three big reasons for Slater’s ousting: an unauthorized trip to Paris, allegedly lying to Bondi about a controversial merger, and leaks to the press about divisions within the antitrust team at DOJ.

It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today. 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

— Gail Slater (@gailaslater) February 12, 2026

Slater was given a decision earlier this week to resign or be fired from the Department of Justice, the same source told the Caller. A different source with knowledge of the firing said President Trump makes the final call on those who are confirmed by the Senate.

That source, as well as a senior Trump administration official, said many within DOJ believed Slater was undermining pending cases because she was on rocky terms with Bondi. Slater was disobeying requests from Bondi, and went on a pricy trip to Europe despite being told not to, the administration official told the Caller. (Read more from “She Was MAGA’s Antitrust Star — Then Her Relationship With Pam Bondi Imploded” HERE)