On Tuesday, Richard Grenell, recently appointed as Trump’s presidential envoy for special missions and president of the Kennedy Center, joined the board of Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company.
Live Nation is currently battling a major lawsuit filed in 2024 by the US government and 30 state and district attorneys general, accusing the company of monopolistic practices in the concert industry and calling for its breakup.
CNN Reports antitrust advocates quickly linked Grenell’s appointment to Live Nation’s strategy to counter the lawsuit. Matt Stoller, research director at the American Economic Liberties Project, posted on X: “Ticketmaster just put Trump advisor Richard Grenell on its board to dodge the Antitrust Division’s lawsuit.” The nonprofit has urged the Trump administration to pursue the case.
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| Richard Grenell |
Live Nation, however, stated that Grenell’s experience will “support our mission to expand live music globally while advocating for reforms that protect fans and artists.” Despite his Hollywood ties and past interest in running for California governor, Grenell’s background lies primarily in diplomacy and intelligence from Trump’s first term, not entertainment. He has also been a paid contributor to Fox News and Newsmax, known for his staunch defense of Trump.
Additionally, Live Nation faces a Justice Department criminal investigation into its handling of concert cancellations during the early Covid-19 pandemic. The company denies wrongdoing and vows to “vigorously” defend itself if charges are filed.
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