The U.S. Justice Department has officially closed its lengthy antitrust investigation into the meatpacking industry, which had been ongoing through the COVID-19 pandemic. The probe, which examined potential anti-competitive practices within the industry, came after years of scrutiny by federal authorities.
The closure of the investigation occurred just weeks before then-President Donald Trump publicly called for a new investigation into the sector. According to unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the decision to end the probe was made independently of the presidential directive.
The meatpacking industry faced increased public attention during the pandemic due to reports of plant closures, labor issues, and rising meat prices. The Justice Department’s investigation had aimed to determine whether monopolistic practices were contributing to these challenges.
It remains unclear whether the recent presidential call for a fresh investigation will lead to further federal scrutiny or policy changes. As of now, the Justice Department has publicly stated that the investigation is concluded, leaving the industry with ongoing questions about competition and regulatory oversight.