In a bid to protect consumers from unfair ticketing practices, an upcoming executive order by President Donald Trump is set to reshape the concert and entertainment industry. The directive will task the Federal Trade Commission with ensuring competition laws are enforced in this sector. Additionally, it will promote adherence to the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act through state consumer protection authorities. Transparency in pricing during all phases of ticket purchases, including secondary markets, will be mandated. The administration will also scrutinize and act against anti-competitive behaviors in these markets. Furthermore, collaboration between the Attorney General, Treasury Secretary, and FTC will ensure compliance with tax laws by ticket scalpers. Within 180 days, a comprehensive report on actions taken and recommendations for further regulations will be submitted.
Details of the Presidential Directive
On a crisp autumn day, President Donald Trump unveiled plans to sign an executive order aimed at curbing exploitative practices within the concert and entertainment sectors. This initiative stems from his campaign promise to address high ticket prices that often exclude fans from enjoying live performances. According to White House insiders, the president remains steadfast in his commitment to enhancing accessibility to cultural events that enrich American life.
The entertainment industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, generating $132.6 billion annually and supporting over 913,000 jobs nationwide. However, unscrupulous intermediaries have marred this landscape by imposing exorbitant fees on patrons without benefiting artists. These so-called "ticket scalpers" employ automated software, or bots, to purchase vast quantities of tickets at face value only to resell them at inflated rates on secondary platforms.
Such practices can lead fans to pay up to seventy times the original ticket price, depriving both enthusiasts and performers of fair opportunities. Artists do not benefit financially from such transactions; instead, profits accrue exclusively to scalpers and ticket agencies. To combat this issue effectively, the executive order directs relevant federal bodies to collaborate intensively and produce actionable strategies within six months.
As someone observing the evolution of consumer rights in entertainment, this move signals a pivotal step towards safeguarding fan interests while preserving artistic integrity. By fostering transparency and discouraging monopolistic tendencies, the administration seeks to restore balance in an industry increasingly dominated by predatory practices. This approach could serve as a model for addressing similar challenges across other sectors where consumer exploitation occurs.