Wed May 21 11:40:00 UTC 2025: **Live Nation Appoints Trump Ally Richard Grenell to Board Amid Antitrust Scrutiny**

LOS ANGELES – Global entertainment giant Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, has appointed Richard Grenell, a close advisor to former President Donald Trump, to its board of directors. The move comes as Live Nation is battling a major antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and 30 state attorneys general, alleging the company has abused its dominance in the concert industry.

Grenell’s appointment, announced Tuesday, immediately raised eyebrows among antitrust advocates who see it as an attempt by Live Nation to influence the legal proceedings. Matt Stoller, research director for the American Economic Liberties Project, wrote on X, “Ticketmaster just put Trump advisor Richard Grenell on its board of directors to get out from under the Antitrust Division’s lawsuit against the company.”

Grenell, currently serving as Trump’s presidential envoy for special missions and the president of the Kennedy Center, has a background in diplomacy, intelligence, and media, having been a paid contributor to Fox News and Newsmax. While he lacks extensive entertainment industry experience, Live Nation defended the appointment, stating Grenell’s career experience will “help support Live Nation’s mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artists.”

The antitrust lawsuit alleges Live Nation has stifled competition and harmed consumers through its control of ticketing and venue operations. The government is seeking to break up the company.

In addition to the antitrust case, Live Nation is also facing a criminal probe by the Justice Department regarding the handling of concert cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to defend itself vigorously.

Grenell’s appointment is the latest instance of companies seeking connections with President Trump and his inner circle. Whether it will impact the ongoing legal battles remains to be seen.

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