Governor Gavin Newsom today blasted President Donald Trump’s federal regulators for approving the proposed Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. merger, lambasting the deal as the latest example of Trump abandoning consumers and allowing corporate power to run unchecked.
Brendan Carr is a disgrace, and this latest ‘deal’ would make Vladimir Putin proud. The Trump Administration is walking away from its responsibility to protect consumers and competitive markets — putting corporate profits ahead of working families. California is stepping up to fill that void… More enforcement to come!
Across industries — from media to live entertainment to telecommunications — the Trump Administration has declined to challenge consolidation, allowing powerful corporations to grow larger while consumers face higher prices, fewer choices, and less accountability. The Nexstar/Tegna merger is the latest example.
“The Trump Administration has made it clear that its allegiance lies with protecting corporate donors, not invigorating our economy, not fueling competition, not protecting workers and American families,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Consolidation in markets at the center of American economic life — like the entertainment or broadcasting industries — doesn’t serve our economy and has proven to lead to increased unaffordability, a loss of good-paying job opportunities, and fewer choices for consumers. The President seems to be more concerned with helping his rich friends get richer rather than helping bring costs down for the American people — this is not consistent with California’s values. We will continue fighting on all fronts.”
