Trump’s Talk With Live Nation CEO Ahead of Surprise DOJ Settlement, Court Filing Shows

A court filing reveals President Trump spoke by phone with Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino in February 2026, weeks before Live Nation agreed to a surprise DOJ antitrust settlement that would allow artists to work with other promoters and cap fan service fees. The White House counsel helped finalize the deal, raising questions about possible presidential influence on DOJ decisions. The settlement came during the antitrust trial, which proceeded after a judge’s criticism of DOJ handling, and a jury later found Live Nation acted as a monopoly.