An FDA Resignation & An M&A Outlook with Makan Delrahim 3/31/25
Mar 31, 2025
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Makan Delrahim, former antitrust assistant attorney general, shares insights on the future of mergers and acquisitions under Trump's administration, emphasizing the cautious strategies businesses are adopting amid regulatory scrutiny. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discusses the resignation of the FDA's top vaccine official amid rising anti-vaccine sentiments and the U.S. measles outbreak. They highlight the urgent need to restore public trust in health systems and examine the complex interplay between politics and market dynamics.
The resignation of the FDA's top vaccine official highlights the urgent need to restore public trust in vaccines amidst rising misinformation.
Makan Delrahim's insights into the anticipated surge in M&A activity reveal that regulatory scrutiny will remain stringent under the second Trump administration.
Deep dives
Antitrust Enforcement Under Trump 2.0
The episode addresses the potential for robust antitrust enforcement during the second Trump administration, as articulated by Macon Delrahim, the former assistant attorney general for antitrust. Delrahim emphasizes that actions will remain strictly regulated, dispelling any expectations of a lapse in enforcement due to political support. He notes that while merger and acquisition activity is anticipated to surge, regulatory scrutiny remains high, with federal agencies maintaining a watchful eye over corporate transactions. Further, the podcast contemplates the ongoing discussions around possibly consolidating antitrust functions within government agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce confusion for businesses navigating regulatory landscapes.
Measles Outbreak and Vaccination Concerns
A significant topic highlighted is the current measles outbreak affecting numerous states in the U.S., with the podcast featuring comments from former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. The discussions bring attention to the alarming rise in cases and the urgent need for public health measures to regain measles elimination status, particularly in light of vaccine hesitance exacerbated by misinformation. Gottlieb warns that the anti-vaccine sentiments, intensified during the pandemic, threaten to impede the fight against such outbreaks. The episode underscores the critical role of public trust in vaccines as a cornerstone for addressing future health crises.
Impacts of Tariffs on the Market
The topic of impending tariffs is examined, focusing on President Trump's recent announcements about imposing tariffs on multiple countries. Discussions reveal concerns over how these tariffs could impact consumer prices and the broader economy, notably raising Goldman Sachs' inflation forecasts. Analysts express fears that the tariffs may pressure American manufacturing and consumer behavior, sparking fears of higher costs. With the host's commentary on how these developments could alter market sentiments, the conversation illustrates the potential ripple effects tariffs could have on various sectors.
Legal Battles and Political Influence on Law Firms
The evolving dynamics between law firms and political influences also feature prominently in the discussion, specifically regarding firms grappling with their relationships with the current administration. The dialogue highlights concerns that some prestigious law firms have adjusted their practices to align with political powers, leading to a perception of altered representation for conservative clients. Notably, the conversation probes whether representation is being influenced by fear of government retaliation, as some firms prioritize settling over litigating against the administration. This reflects a broader anxiety within the legal profession regarding the potential chilling effect on legal representation amid shifting political landscapes.
The FDA’s top vaccine official has resigned from the agency, citing what he called “misinformation and lies” from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccinations. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the official’s departure, the U.S. measles outbreak, and the importance of bolstering public trust in science and health systems. Former antitrust assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim discusses the future of M&A under the second Trump administration, and investors and business owners are bracing for President Trump’s tariffs set to take effect on April 3. Plus, President Trump has once again floated the idea for a third term, and the President has commuted Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson’s prison sentence.
