Billionaire Donors Pressure Kamala Harris on Lina Khan's Future at FTC

In recent discussions surrounding the potential presidency of Kamala Harris, a significant point of contention has emerged regarding the future of Lina Khan as chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Khan, a prominent figure in antitrust law and a favorite among progressives, faces opposition from influential billionaire donors, including Barry Diller, who has publicly expressed his desire for Harris to remove her from her position. Diller's comments, which included calling Khan a “dope,” sparked controversy, although he later apologized for the remark. Wes Moore, a close ally of Harris, hinted at a possible shift in Harris's approach to antitrust law, suggesting that her administration might diverge from President Biden's current strategies. He indicated that the evolving economic landscape would necessitate different philosophies, raising questions about the future direction of the FTC under Harris's leadership. Despite the pressure from wealthy donors, Harris's emerging economic agenda appears to align closely with populist ideals, similar to Biden's. Her plans to address price gouging include a robust role for the FTC, indicating that she may continue to support Khan's aggressive regulatory stance. Khan, at just 35 years old, has become a polarizing figure in American politics, celebrated by many on the left, including Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who regards her as a vital voice in the fight against corporate monopolies. As the political landscape shifts, the fate of Khan at the FTC remains uncertain, with significant implications for Harris's potential presidency.