The Justice Department's antitrust case against Live Nation, which also owns Ticketmaster, was set to begin March 2 just days away. President Trump intervened, telling a senior DOJ official to settle the case. The intervention came after months of unproductive negotiations, with some government officials pushing to break up the company.

Weeks before Trump's call, Live Nation had brought in Sullivan & Cromwell lawyers for settlement talks—the same firm representing Trump in his personal legal troubles. Trump met with Live Nation CEO [PERSON_NAME] on Feb. 7, discussing both bookings and the unresolved lawsuit. Within days, on March 5, the settlement was finalized at the White House with Counsel [PERSON_NAME] and Attorney General [PERSON_NAME].

The deal allowed Live Nation to retain control of premium amphitheaters and keep Ticketmaster, contrary to the DOJ's previous position.