DOJ antitrust chief warns companies not to use AI as misleading merger defense

DOJ Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi warned merging companies that claims of AI disruption as an antitrust defense must be backed by actual evidence, stating 'we know when you are trying to mislead us.' The remarks, delivered at NYU School of Law, signal that the DOJ is aware companies may argue AI is replacing their industries to justify mergers. The DOJ prefers structural remedies in merger enforcement and emphasized strict compliance with HSR filing requirements.