Bondi doesn’t take any nonsense. Especially for those she commands.
And now Pam Bondi laid down the law on one subordinate that never saw it coming.
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice has experienced internal friction within its Antitrust Division, as Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater (often referred to as Abigail Slater in some reports) reportedly attempted to end the detail of her chief of staff, Sara Matar, but was overruled by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The incident unfolded late last week when Slater posted on X that Matar’s detail had concluded, only for the post to be deleted shortly after. A DOJ spokesperson confirmed to Semafor that the post was removed because it was inaccurate, and Matar’s detail was extended.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions in the division’s leadership and operations under the current administration.
Incident Details and Power Dynamics
According to reporting from Semafor, Slater declined to renew Matar’s expiring contract, but Bondi intervened, stating that such a decision fell outside Slater’s authority.
The override marks the latest point of contention in what sources describe as an escalating internal conflict within the DOJ’s antitrust efforts.
Broader context includes criticisms that companies facing antitrust scrutiny have successfully lobbied other Trump administration officials, sometimes bypassing or influencing outcomes from Slater’s division.
Slater, confirmed to the role in March 2025, has faced scrutiny over the division’s record on blocking major corporate mergers.
Antitrust advocate Matt Stoller noted in late 2025 that no mergers had been stopped under her watch, though some observers credit efforts in cases like addressing Ticketmaster’s market position.
Slater’s background includes prior work as general counsel for the Internet Association (representing Big Tech interests) and involvement in discussions around online content regulation.
Antitrust Enforcement
The DOJ Antitrust Division under Slater has pursued some settlements and resolutions, such as the approved agreement in the UnitedHealth Group-Amedisys merger in late 2025, which included divestitures and a civil penalty while preserving competition in healthcare.
However, previous reports from 2025 highlighted personnel changes, including the departure of top deputies amid disputes over specific merger terms negotiated with input from Bondi’s office.
Vice President JD Vance has offered limited public endorsement of Slater’s leadership, and the division has navigated criticism from both sides: some argue for stronger enforcement against corporate consolidation, while others point to external influences on decision-making. Bondi has previously expressed support for Slater amid earlier internal challenges.
This personnel dispute reflects the complexities of implementing antitrust policy in a large federal agency, where authority lines, lobbying access, and differing priorities can lead to friction. No formal changes to leadership have been announced as a result of the incident.
