The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently investigating monopolization in the fire truck industry, following a report by BIG that highlighted how private equity consolidation has negatively impacted firefighting resources in Los Angeles. A Senate subcommittee, led by Senator Josh Hawley and Congressman Andy Kim, held a hearing titled "Sounding the Alarm: America’s Fire Apparatus Crisis," where industry executives and fire officials testified about the challenges posed by monopolistic practices. This investigation indicates a growing recognition of the detrimental effects of corporate consolidation on public safety and service delivery.

In California, a new law has been enacted to prohibit coercive pricing practices that utilize non-public data. This legislation represents a significant ideological shift, as it reintroduces the concept of coercion into antitrust discussions, which had been largely sidelined since the 1970s. The law aims to address the economic coercion prevalent in various sectors, including technology and real estate, where powerful entities manipulate pricing structures to their advantage, often at the expense of consumers and smaller businesses.

Additionally, there has been a notable pushback against corporate lobbying efforts that have sought to undermine the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Recent actions have led to increased scrutiny of potential corruption within the division, particularly concerning high-profile cases against major corporations like Google and Ticketmaster. This reflects a growing awareness among lawmakers and the public about the influence of corporate interests on regulatory bodies and the importance of maintaining robust antitrust enforcement.

These developments suggest a shift in public perception regarding corporate power and its implications for democracy and economic equity. As more individuals and communities recognize the impact of monopolistic practices, there is potential for a broader movement advocating for fairer economic structures and accountability in corporate governance.