J.D. Vance Thinks Lina Khan Is Doing a Great Job

With the selection of Ohio Rep. J.D. Vance as his 2024 running mate, former President Donald Trump may usher in a challenging era for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Under President Joe Biden, the FTC, led by Lina Khan, has adopted a robust anti-innovation and anti-big business stance, aiming to reshape antitrust laws that have traditionally prioritized consumer welfare. Khan's approach suggests a shift away from evaluating mergers and corporate actions based on their impact on consumer prices, favoring instead a broader focus on competition and market size. Vance's views resonate with this shift, advocating for a government role in constructing a competitive marketplace. He emphasizes the need for consumer choice, seemingly disregarding the principles of free market dynamics and consumer preferences. His rhetoric aligns closely with the Biden administration's agenda, which seeks to redefine the consumer welfare standard that has long guided antitrust enforcement. Moreover, Vance has expressed intentions to dismantle major tech companies, including Google, citing their perceived left-leaning bias as a motivating factor. His comments reflect a willingness to leverage government power to achieve these ends, suggesting a potential alignment with Khan's regulatory philosophy, albeit with a partisan twist. As the political landscape evolves, the FTC is poised for continued aggressive policies that challenge traditional free market principles, regardless of the election outcome. The implications of Vance's candidacy could lead to significant changes in how antitrust laws are enforced and how big tech is regulated in the coming years.