Justice Department Approval of Paramount-Warner Deal Caught DOJ Lawyers Off Guard, Report Says

Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi, who replaced Slater, told Reuters in March that the Paramount-Warner Bros. transaction would not receive expedited approval for political reasons. He rejected suggestions that antitrust enforcement had been influenced by politics, calling the claim “ludicrous.”

DOJ says merger would increase competition

In announcing its approval, the Justice Department said combining Paramount+ and HBO Max would likely strengthen competition in the streaming-video market by giving consumers a stronger alternative to larger services.

The agency also said the merger is not expected to reduce competition in the development, production, or distribution of theatrical films. “The evidence shows extensive competition within the industry,” the DOJ said, adding that the market has produced greater output and more diverse film offerings and is likely to remain competitive.

Even with federal approval, Paramount still faces opposition from state officials. California, New York, and other states reportedly intend to file a lawsuit in the coming weeks seeking to block the merger, while European Union regulators continue reviewing the deal’s financing and competitive effects.

The disagreement mirrors a broader split between the Trump administration and state attorneys general over Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary. The Biden-era Justice Department and most states sued Live Nation in 2024, but the Trump administration later withdrew its push for a breakup during the trial, catching state officials off guard.

The states continued the case on their own and prevailed. In April, a federal jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated an illegal monopoly and overcharged fans for tickets. A separate proceeding will determine damages and possible remedies, which could include breaking up the company.

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