Khan’s determination to tackle big business and Big Tech remains strong despite recent setbacks.
Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan: Leading the Charge for Antitrust Enforcement
Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan is undaunted in her mission to bring a more aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement against big business and Big Tech. Despite facing some high-profile defeats in court, Khan remains committed to her goal.
A New Approach to Antitrust
Khan, appointed to head the FTC in 2021, is spearheading the movement known as “hipster antitrust.” This approach challenges the traditional consumer welfare standard and takes into account factors like corporate concentration and income inequality when evaluating mergers and acquisitions.
Overcoming Obstacles
While Khan has faced stumbling blocks in implementing her agenda, including recent defeats in court, her allies believe she will continue to make progress. They argue that changing interpretations of antitrust laws and demonstrating the need for a more aggressive approach will take time.
Charlotte Slaiman, the competition director at Public Knowledge, explains, “We knew that it was going to be a long process to bring today’s antitrust precedents in line with modern economics and the needs of our economy. So I’m not surprised that that hasn’t been completed in the couple years that [Khan’s] had so far.”
Antitrust Policy: A Slow Turn
Comparing steering antitrust policy to turning a massive oceanliner, Slaiman emphasizes that it takes time to change course. Khan’s opponents, however, argue that she has failed to gain traction and question her enforcement approach.
Matt Schruiers, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, states, “I don’t believe we’ve seen any evidence that suggests that antitrust regulators at the FTC intend to change course from a very ideologically motivated enforcement approach.”
FTC’s Commitment to Consumers
An FTC spokesperson assures that the agency remains committed to protecting consumers from unlawful business practices and monopoly power. They highlight the agency’s responsibility to screen and deter potentially anticompetitive deals that could harm the American public.
Successes and Challenges
While the FTC has faced setbacks in court, it has also celebrated victories in other cases. The agency’s success in settling with companies like Surescripts demonstrates its commitment to promoting fair competition.
However, critics argue that these victories are not directly related to the hipster antitrust agenda. Ashley Baker, director of policy at the Committee for Justice, suggests that Khan’s struggles have primarily arisen in litigated merger cases.
Tension and Scrutiny
Khan’s vision for antitrust has created tension among FTC employees, leading to a decline in workplace rankings and an increased rate of lawyer departures. Additionally, the agency’s leadership is heavily partisan due to the absence of two Republican commissioners.
The FTC has also faced increased scrutiny from Congress, with Rep. Jim Jordan leading the charge. Khan has responded to these efforts, accusing Jordan of attempting to intimidate and harass the agency’s career staff.
Khan’s Impact and Future
Despite the challenges, Khan remains steadfast in her mission. She gained recognition for her work on antitrust reforms with her publication ”Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox” in 2017. Khan’s tenure as FTC chairwoman continues to shape the future of antitrust enforcement.
Source: The Washington Examiner
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