A top US official responsible for suing companies over mergers is stepping down, sparking alarm among critics who say it is a sign the White House is backing away from anti-monopoly enforcement.
Gail Slater, who was appointed last year by US President Donald Trump to lead the antitrust division at the Department of Justice (DOJ), announced her resignation on social media on Thursday.
"It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role," she wrote.
Her announcement marked the latest in a series of leadership shake-ups at the antitrust division since last summer, including the ouster of two other top officials.
The Justice Department confirmed to the BBC that Slater was leaving, but did not comment on the circumstances that led to her departure.
