Google is urging officials at President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) to reconsider its aggressive approach to breaking up the company, citing concerns over national security and economic stability.
This request follows a federal judge’s ruling that deemed Google’s dominance in online search to be an illegal monopoly, Bloomberg reported.
Google’s Push Against Regulatory Actions
During a recent meeting with DOJ representatives, Google’s executives called for a more measured approach in the ongoing antitrust case. The company contends that drastic changes, such as the forced sale of its Chrome web browser and the elimination of exclusivity payments to partners like Apple, could have negative implications for both the U.S. economy and national security. A spokesperson for Google, Peter Schottenfels, reaffirmed the company’s stance, stating, “We routinely meet with regulators, including the DOJ, to discuss this case. As we have publicly said, we are concerned the current proposals would harm the American economy and national security.”
The Justice Department has yet to publicly respond to Google’s recent plea. However, the case has entered its “remedy” phase, where the court has the authority to impose significant structural changes on the company. Both parties are expected to submit final proposals by February 28, ahead of court hearings scheduled for April.
National Security Concerns and Economic Impact
Google’s arguments echo broader concerns expressed by the Trump administration regarding foreign regulatory overreach. The White House recently criticized European Union laws such as the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, arguing that they unfairly target U.S. tech companies. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have both urged European regulators to scale back their enforcement against American technology firms.
Additionally, Google and other major tech firms, including Meta, Amazon, and Apple, have previously pushed back against antitrust legislation that would require them to open their platforms to competitors. They argue that such measures could weaken the U.S. technology sector’s global standing, particularly in competition with China.
AI Investments Under Scrutiny
As part of the DOJ’s proposed remedies, restrictions on Google’s investments in artificial intelligence (AI) are under consideration. The government is evaluating whether these restrictions should apply retroactively or only to future investments. If enacted, these measures could force Google to unwind its investments in AI firms, including Anthropic, a major competitor in the AI space. Google has argued that such actions would be detrimental to innovation and economic competitiveness.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming hearings continue. DOJ attorneys recently deposed Google CEO Sundar Pichai, while the company’s head of search, Liz Reid, is expected to testify next. Representatives from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity AI have also provided testimony in recent weeks.
Legal Precedent and Market Implications
The DOJ’s case against Google marks the most significant attempt at breaking up a U.S. technology giant since the failed effort to split Microsoft in the early 2000s. In August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the search and search advertising markets, prompting the Biden administration to seek structural remedies.
Following the DOJ’s November proposal, Google’s chief legal officer, Kent Walker, criticized the government’s approach as a “radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America’s global technology leadership.” The company has also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government, particularly in using AI for cybersecurity initiatives.
