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22h ago

Live Nation Appoints Trump Ally Richard Grenell to Board Amid DOJ Legal Battles

The entertainment giant faces antitrust lawsuits and a criminal probe as critics question Grenell’s appointment as a strategic move to leverage political ties.

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Richard Grenell, special presidential envoy for special missions of the United States, speaks during a Kennedy Center Board dinner with US President Donald Trump, not pictured, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Overview

  • Live Nation has added Richard Grenell, a close Trump ally and current Kennedy Center president, to its board of directors.
  • The company is currently defending itself against a DOJ-led civil antitrust lawsuit and a newly reported criminal investigation into its pandemic-era practices.
  • Grenell’s appointment has drawn criticism from antitrust advocates, who view it as an attempt to influence regulatory outcomes through his Trump-era connections.
  • Live Nation has denied any wrongdoing and stated that Grenell’s diplomatic and leadership experience will support its mission to grow the live music industry.
  • The DOJ lawsuit alleges monopolistic practices by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, with calls for structural changes to increase competition in the live entertainment market.