Under Democratic administrations, the agency has typically taken a stricter approach to M&A, focusing on concerns such as market consolidation, increased prices and reduced competition. President-elect Donald Trump is likely to take a more permissive view toward major M&As. Mr. Trump's previous administration approved CVS Health's $69 billion acquisition of Aetna in 2018, and a Republican administration may favor a more lenient regulatory approach, emphasizing market freedom and potentially easing some of the current restrictions. This could mean a higher likelihood of approval for health system deals, especially if they can demonstrate potential benefits such as operational efficiency, expanded access to care and improved health outcomes for patients. Here are eight hospital transactions that were called off after enforcement actions or challenges by the FTC over the last three years: 1.