President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at protecting American consumers from predatory ticket scalping and inflated prices in the entertainment industry, a move that seeks to increase transparency and fairness for eventgoers nationwide.
The order, signed at the White House on Monday, directs federal agencies to crack down on exploitative practices by resellers and ticketing platforms that manipulate prices for concerts, sports events, and live shows through automated bots and deceptive pricing structures. The move follows months of mounting complaints from consumers unable to afford tickets due to rapid sellouts and inflated secondary market costs.
Under the new directive, the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission have been tasked with investigating unfair and anti-competitive behavior within the ticketing industry. The order also mandates the development of new guidelines requiring ticket vendors to disclose all fees upfront and implement measures to block the use of scalping bots.
“We are putting power back into the hands of the American people,” Trump stated during the signing ceremony, vowing to hold companies accountable for practices that drive up prices and shut out average citizens from live entertainment.
The executive action comes in response to widespread public backlash against major ticketing platforms following a series of high-profile events where tickets disappeared within minutes, only to reappear on resale websites at exorbitant prices. Industry watchdogs and artist advocacy groups have also raised concerns over exclusive deals and opaque distribution systems that leave fans at a disadvantage.
White House officials say the new policy will promote competition and protect consumers from hidden fees and fraudulent sellers. Event organizers and ticketing companies will be required to increase transparency in how tickets are allocated and priced.
Industry leaders have acknowledged the need for reform, with some ticketing companies signaling a willingness to work with regulators to ensure compliance. However, critics of the executive order argue that federal enforcement may be difficult without broader legislation.
Nonetheless, the administration has made clear it intends to follow through with aggressive oversight. Additional regulatory proposals are expected to be introduced in the coming months as part of a wider effort to increase consumer protection in digital marketplaces.
With this move, the White House is positioning itself as a defender of everyday Americans seeking fair access to live experiences—an issue that has struck a chord with voters across political lines.