DOJ Rejects Claims of Improper Influence in Antitrust Reviews Involving Mike Davis
Here's what it means for you.
Understanding the dynamics of antitrust reviews can impact how you navigate corporate mergers and acquisitions.
What happened
On March 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice denied allegations of outside influence from Mike Davis in antitrust reviews.
The Context
- Allegations arose after a Wall Street Journal investigation claimed Davis pressured DOJ officials during the $14 billion Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks merger.
- Gail Slater, the former head of the Antitrust Division, was ousted amid reported tensions, with Davis being a significant figure in her confirmation.
- The DOJ maintains that its decisions are based on merit, dismissing the allegations as stemming from disgruntled former employees.
The Number
— the value of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's acquisition of Juniper Networks, highlighting the stakes involved in antitrust scrutiny.
Takeaway
As the landscape of corporate mergers evolves, expect continued scrutiny and potential challenges in antitrust enforcement.
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DOJ denies outside influence from Trump ally in antitrust reviews
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has denied allegations that Mike Davis, a lawyer and ally of former President Trump, exerted outside influence to secure approvals for antitrust deals. This follows a Wall Street Journal investigation that highlighted ...
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Interviews with over three dozen people detail how lobbyist Mike Davis used his ties to Trump to push the DOJ to approve deals, including HPE's Juniper deal (Wall Street Journal)
Interviews with over three dozen individuals reveal that lobbyist Mike Davis leveraged his connections to former President Trump to influence the Department of Justice (DOJ) in approving various deals, including the significant HPE's Juniper deal. Da...