> I don't think this is the best summary of either the FTC's mandate from congress nor the antitrust laws in the US.

Okay well I basically copy/pasted from ftc.gov:

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition enforces the nation's antitrust laws, which form the foundation of our free market economy. The antitrust laws promote the interests of consumers; they support unfettered markets and result in lower prices and more choices.

https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-competi...

The Bureau of Competition is committed to preventing mergers and acquisitions that are likely to reduce competition and lead to higher prices, lower quality goods or services, or less innovation

https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/merger-review