Trump signs executive order against ticket scalping at concerts and shows
Trump signs order to protect ticket buyers (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating "exploitive ticket scalping" in the concert and entertainment industry, reports Fox News.
The order directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to work with the attorney general to ensure compliance with antitrust laws in the entertainment sector. It also calls for stricter enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, involving state authorities to regulate ticket pricing.
The order additionally mandates price transparency at all stages of the purchasing process, including the secondary ticket market. It also requires the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department to monitor ticket scalpers’ compliance with tax legislation.
Within 180 days, the agencies must submit a report on the measures taken and suggest further reforms.
Supporting artists and fighting overpricing
Trump stated that the order represents a significant step in addressing excessive markups caused by bots and scalpers.
"This is a big step to getting this stopped," the president said during the signing ceremony, attended by musician Kid Rock. According to the artist, concertgoers are often forced to pay several times the face value of tickets, while performers receive no additional revenue.
The newly signed ticket order aims to protect consumers and improve access to cultural events despite ongoing issues with resale and ticket scalping.
Trump’s previous initiatives
This order is part of a series of presidential actions aimed at improving the lives of Americans.
In March, Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, which does not involve taxpayer money.
The president also initiated the reduction of seven federal agencies, including those overseeing Voice of America and Radio Free Europe.
