Republicans accuse FTC chair of Hatch Act violations at campaign events
- Top Judiciary Republicans are accusing FTC Chair Lina Khan of potentially violating the Hatch Act by participating in campaign-style events with Democratic politicians.
- These events occurred in multiple states, including Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona, and were perceived as leveraging her official position to support Democrat candidates.
- The accusations raise concerns about ethics and partiality in Khan's actions, prompting further scrutiny and requests for transparency regarding her public engagements.
In October 2024, Republican lawmakers are raising accusations against FTC Chair Lina Khan for allegedly breaching the Hatch Act by engaging in partisan political activities. Representatives Jim Jordan and Mike Lee contend that Khan's recent appearances with Democratic candidates in states like Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona suggest an inappropriate promotion of party interests within her official capacity. The events have been described as a 'campaign gauntlet,' leading to public perception that Khan is utilizing her role to advocate for specific candidates. During these appearances, she discussed pressing issues such as grocery prices and healthcare during a chat with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and addressed rising rent prices with Rep. Ruben Gallego in Arizona, a competitive Senate race. Republicans express their concerns regarding Khan's history of allegedly ignoring ethics guidelines and providing misleading testimonies on associated matters. In light of these accusations, they have requested documentation related to the scheduling and funding of her events, alongside any communications with FTC ethics officials pertaining to her public engagements. The FTC has chosen not to comment on the situation. The controversy places Khan in a challenging position as she navigates her responsibilities amidst political scrutiny and interest group pressures, particularly from factions within the Democratic Party itself, raising questions about her future and agency integrity.