Trump Allies Urge DOJ to Support Merger that Would Challenge China’s Dominance in Telecom Gear

| Published April 16, 2025

In a significant move to bolster America’s position in the global telecommunications arena, allies of President Donald Trump are urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to approve the proposed merger between Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Juniper Networks. The merger is seen as a strategic countermeasure against China’s telecom giant Huawei, which currently holds a commanding 30% share of the global telecom equipment market, dwarfing the next American competitor’s 6% share. ​

Strategic Merger to Challenge Huawei

The DOJ’s antitrust division, under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, is being called upon to reconsider its stance on the HPE-Juniper merger. Conservative leaders argue that the merger is essential for creating a formidable American entity capable of competing with Huawei, especially in the rapidly expanding 5G sector. They contend that blocking the merger inadvertently benefits Huawei and, by extension, the Chinese Communist Party. ​

National Security Concerns

Former U.S. Air Force Colonel Rob Maness, a member of the Trump campaign’s Veterans and Military Families for Trump Coalition, emphasized the national security implications of allowing Huawei to maintain its dominance. He highlighted concerns from intelligence agencies about potential espionage through Huawei’s equipment, which could compromise U.S. military communications, including those related to the nuclear arsenal. ​

Global Regulatory Perspective

Supporters of the merger point out that international regulatory bodies, including those in the United Kingdom and the European Union, have approved the HPE-Juniper deal. Michael O’Rielly, former FCC commissioner, noted that these approvals underscore the reasonableness of the merger and question the DOJ’s continued opposition. ​

Calls for DOJ Reassessment

Prominent conservative figures, such as Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, have criticized the DOJ’s stance. They argue that the merger would establish a robust American competitor to Huawei, reducing reliance on foreign technology and enhancing national security. ​

Looking Ahead

As the Trump administration intensifies efforts to counter China’s influence in global telecommunications, the outcome of the HPE-Juniper merger decision will be pivotal. Approval could signal a commitment to strengthening domestic capabilities and securing America’s technological future.​

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SOURCES: BREITBART – Trump Allies Urge DOJ to Support Merger that Would Challenge China’s Dominance in Telecom Gear

REUTERS – Juniper Networks denies allegations in US DOJ lawsuit to block $14 billion merger with HPE

THE REGISTER – HPE says blocking Juniper buy is a sure Huawei to ensure China and Cisco thrive

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