Federal Trade Commission (FTC) antitrust enforcers have initiated a sweeping investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, focusing on its cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity operations. The probe marks a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny, leaving it up to President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to continue or abandon the effort.
Trump and Musk: A New Dynamic Against Microsoft
With Elon Musk, a longtime critic of Microsoft and Bill Gates, now aligned with Trump, speculation is mounting over whether the new administration will push the investigation forward. The FTC’s decision to investigate Microsoft could place Trump and Musk in a position to challenge one of the most dominant players in the tech industry.
Focus on Core Microsoft Operations
The FTC’s investigation delves into areas central to Microsoft’s business, a deeper probe than the agency’s failed attempt last year to block Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. If pursued, this case could rival Microsoft’s landmark antitrust battle with the Department of Justice in the 1990s.
FTC Chair Lina Khan, appointed by President Joe Biden, has championed aggressive antitrust actions against Big Tech during her tenure. However, with Trump set to assume office, the agency’s leadership and priorities are poised to shift.
A Pivotal Decision for the Trump Administration
The investigation’s continuation hinges on Trump’s choice to lead the FTC. Analysts anticipate a potentially lighter approach to regulating the tech sector under Trump, though incoming Vice President JD Vance has expressed admiration for Khan’s efforts to rein in monopolistic practices.
As the transition unfolds, the fate of this high-stakes antitrust probe could signal how the Trump administration plans to address Big Tech’s dominance in the years ahead.
