The US Department of Justice has confirmed Gail Slater as the new head of its antitrust division, tasking her with overseeing multiple cases against large tech firms, including the high-profile Google search monopoly suit. Slater's confirmation comes with bipartisan support, and she is set to take over the role of Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division.

Slater brings a wealth of experience in antitrust law to the position, having worked on merger cases at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) since 2004 and later lobbying for anti-monopoly legislation while working for Roku. Her background also includes stints as an economic policy advisor and Senate staff member for Vice President JD Vance, as well as working for the National Economic Council during Donald Trump's first term.

One of Slater's first tasks will be to navigate the ongoing US v. Google case, which saw Google declared an unlawful monopolist last year. A hearing scheduled for next month will determine the remedies to be enforced against the company, including the possibility of a breakup. Slater will be replacing Jonathan Kanter, under whom the DOJ won its case against Google.

Despite her extensive experience, Slater has not yet articulated a clear strategy for the DOJ's antitrust enforcement efforts moving forward. When questioned by Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee about her commitment to seeing through antitrust enforcement started under Trump, Slater cited "resources" as a key consideration in deciding which cases to pursue. This has raised concerns about the potential for politically motivated litigation, given Trump's history of antagonism towards companies like Google.

Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar pressed Slater on whether she would "open an investigation or file a lawsuit for any reason other than legitimate law enforcement purposes." Slater assured the committee that she does not "anticipate a fact pattern like you described," but the exchange has sparked debate about the potential for political influence in antitrust enforcement.

Slater's confirmation comes at a critical juncture for the tech industry, with ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating large technology companies. As the new head of the DOJ's antitrust division, Slater will play a key role in shaping the future of antitrust enforcement and its impact on the tech sector.

As the DOJ prepares to take on some of the industry's biggest players, Slater's leadership will be closely watched by tech companies, lawmakers, and regulators alike. Her ability to navigate the complex landscape of antitrust law and politics will be crucial in determining the direction of the DOJ's efforts and the future of the tech industry.