Alphabet’s Google has urged the U.S. government to reconsider efforts to break up the tech giant, meeting with officials from President Donald Trump’s administration last week, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently pursuing two antitrust lawsuits against Google, focusing on its dominance in online search and advertising technology. The agency has outlined potential remedies, including forcing Google to divest key assets such as the Chrome web browser and ending agreements that make it the default search engine on devices like Apple’s iPhone.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company regularly engages with regulators, including the DOJ, to discuss ongoing legal matters. “As we’ve publicly stated, we are concerned that the current proposals would harm the American economy and national security,” the spokesperson said.
The DOJ has not yet commented on the recent meeting. The trial to determine potential remedies in the search case is scheduled for April, with a final ruling expected by August.
President Trump’s administration is expected to take a less aggressive stance on antitrust enforcement compared to former President Joe Biden’s policies. Industry experts suggest that this could include a softened approach toward breaking up Google, a move that has been a key concern for the tech giant.