Staff Reports
The latest tête-à-tête about Google and its potential breakup is leaving many scratching their heads, especially with former President Donald Trump taking a rather wishy-washy stance. Recently interviewed by Bloomberg, Trump was quick to unleash a barrage of criticism against the tech behemoth, blaming it for treating him “very badly.” Yet, when it came to endorsing the Department of Justice’s recommendation to break up the company, he played coy, preferring to sit on the fence.
It’s clear Trump isn’t a fan of Google, a sentiment he shares with millions of frustrated Americans who feel overshadowed by the tech giant’s grip on information and media. He likens Google’s operations to a rigged game, echoing the frustration surrounding not just Big Tech but the government itself. However, rather than championing a full-on breakup, he nudged toward the notion of reforming the company without dismantling it, suggesting that a more “fair” approach could be taken. Perhaps he believes in a kinder, gentler regulation that keeps the tech titan but with a slightly less imposing foot on the necks of everyday users.
Trump teeters on DOJ’s Google breakup proposal: ‘A lot of power’ https://t.co/1DkUtNDZCz
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 16, 2024
Looking back, it was actually Trump’s Justice Department that first aimed at Google’s alleged monopolistic practices. An antitrust suit filed against the company culminated in a court ruling this past August that concluded Google’s antics were indeed illegal. Yet, the court’s decision on punishment is still hanging in the air, much like Google’s influence over search results. So why the hesitation from Trump when it comes to advocating for a hard break?
In a curious move, Trump invoked competition with China as a reason to keep tech giants intact. In his view, if Google were to be undermined, it might just make it easier for adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to exploit the situation. The irony isn’t lost on anyone when the former president articulates the fear of a world where our competitors overtake American innovation. This is classic Trump: protecting American business while navigating a minefield of polarizing opinions.
Meanwhile, Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, is strapping on the armor and wielding the sword of radical reform. He openly advocates for breaking up Google, characterizing it as one of the most dangerous entities in the modern world. Vance provides the fiery rhetoric that seems to be a stark contrast to Trump’s tepid approach. It’s almost as if Vance is ready to charge into battle while Trump prefers to analyze the field from afar. Despite all the noise, Trump’s reluctance to firmly embrace the breakup stance showcases the complexity of the current political environment. With calls for reform growing louder from all corners of the political spectrum, one has to wonder how long the former president can remain on the sidelines while Vance takes to the trenches.
