Jonathan Kanter assumed leadership of the Justice Department’s antitrust division in November 2021, and soon after, the agency received an additional $50 million to investigate monopolies, break up criminal cartels, and block mergers. To commemorate this, Mr. Kanter placed a prop of a giant check outside his office with “Break ‘Em Up” written on the memo line.
Mr. Kanter, 50, has been a proponent of this approach, leading the charge against corporate power in America. The Justice Department recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, arguing that the company had violated antitrust laws by practices designed to maintain customer reliance on its iPhones and discourage them from switching to other devices.
This lawsuit is in addition to two antitrust cases against Google for illegally bolstering monopolies. Mr. Kanter’s team has also challenged various corporate mergers, including suing to prevent JetBlue Airways from acquiring Spirit Airlines.
In a January interview, Mr. Kanter emphasized the importance of making antitrust laws work for the benefit of workers, consumers, entrepreneurs, and democratic values. He refrained from commenting on ongoing litigation, including the Google cases.
During a news conference about the Apple lawsuit, Mr. Kanter likened the action to past challenges against Standard Oil, AT&T, and Microsoft, stressing the need to protect the market for future innovations.
Mr. Kanter and Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, have taken action against four of the six largest public tech companies in an effort to curb industry power. The F.T.C. has also filed antitrust suits against Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) and Amazon.
However, Mr. Kanter and Ms. Khan face time constraints, as the outcome of the November election could potentially impact their positions.
Mr. Kanter, raised in Queens, New York, has a strong belief in the American dream and the opportunities it provides. His background has shaped his dedication to antitrust enforcement as a means of ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals.
Following his law education, Mr. Kanter worked at the F.T.C. and in prominent law firms representing various clients, including Microsoft. He later advocated for investigations into tech giants like Google, emphasizing the need for additional scrutiny.
Mr. Kanter’s initiatives, including the “Real Time AF” and “Billionaire Accountability Project,” aim to enhance the effectiveness of the antitrust division. He has set ambitious goals for managing civil and criminal cases, despite some staff concerns about feasibility.
While Mr. Kanter has faced criticism for his aggressive stance against tech giants, his efforts have garnered support from those who view antitrust laws as essential for a fair economy.
In his defense of reshaping antitrust enforcement, Mr. Kanter acknowledged the changing landscape of the economy and the importance of adapting to modern realities. He emphasized the need to enforce antitrust laws in a manner that aligns with current economic conditions.
Tripp Mickle contributed reporting from San Francisco. Jack Begg contributed research.
