With the federal government largely stepping back from antitrust enforcement, who’s picking up the slack? California Attorney General Rob Bonta makes the case that state attorneys general are filling the void, and he’s got the caseload to prove it.
David Dayen and Matt Stoller speak with Bonta about his remarkable portfolio of active fights: the Ticketmaster/Live Nation trial (which the states pressed forward with after the DOJ settled), a price-fixing case against Amazon, social media addiction suits against Meta and TikTok, and a challenge to the Nexstar/Tegna local TV merger that could give a single broadcaster control over news in 70 percent of American households.
🧠 The move: Bonta is actively pursuing multiple high-profile antitrust cases that challenge major corporations. This includes litigation against Ticketmaster and investigations into social media giants.
Bonta's actions represent a significant political maneuvering in the realm of corporate regulation, showcasing how state officials can exert power in the absence of federal enforcement.
👥 Who this hits: Consumers and everyday citizens are directly affected by these corporate practices, which often lead to higher prices and reduced choices in the marketplace. Bonta's efforts aim to hold these corporations accountable.
👀 What to watch next:
Outcomes of the Ticketmaster trial and its implications for the live events industry.
Potential new antitrust actions against other major corporations.
Responses from federal regulators to Bonta's aggressive state-level enforcement.
📊 Source credibility: The American Prospect is known for its investigative reporting and focus on accountability in politics and business.
📅 Published: March 31, 2026 6:08 PM