Lina Khan: How to Fight Corporate Power Under Trump

Key takeaways

Lina Khan made significant reforms in combating corporate power during her time at the FTC, particularly concerning tech monopolies.
Khan's transition from a government role back to civilian life has raised concerns about the rollback of consumer protections.
The conversation around corporate power is evolving, with bipartisan support emerging around anti-corporate legislation.
There is a growing public consciousness regarding the need for governmental oversight to defend against corporate abuse.
The potential for future anti-corporate movements hinges on nurturing a new generation of advocates and continuing the fight at all levels of government.

Summary

Lina Khan's Impact at the FTC

The episode discusses Lina Khan's tenure as the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during the Biden administration. Adam Conover explores how Khan shifted the FTC's approach to combat corporate power, particularly among tech giants like Amazon and Meta. Under her leadership, significant steps were taken, including enforcing anti-trust laws, banning non-compete clauses, and championing the right to repair legislation. Khan reflects on the challenges she faced and the mixed reactions to her aggressive stance against corporate monopolies.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

After leaving the FTC, Lina discusses her transition to civilian life amid an administration change. Although her time at the FTC led to several achievements in consumer protection and antitrust enforcement, she expresses concern about the dismantling of the work done and the impact it has on consumers. The conversation touches on the broader challenges of ensuring that governmental institutions can effectively serve the public interest against aggressive lobbying from large corporations.

Corporate Power and Public Reception

The podcast addresses the evolving perception of corporate power in America and its influence on various political landscapes. Both Adam and Lina note that despite her efforts being recognized as beneficial for consumers, there exists backlash from corporate interests and a politicization of antitrust issues. The dialogue touches on how even members of the political right have found some level of support for anti-corporate legislation as a response to actions from corporate giants.

The Future of Anti-Corporate Legislation

Lina Khan provides insights into the potential future of anti-corporate legislation and governance. She discusses the importance of building a movement that can continue to effectively challenge corporate monopolies regardless of political administration. The episode emphasizes the need for public acknowledgment that corporate power can infringe upon everyday freedoms and autonomy, exploring how grassroots efforts and state-level actions may play a role in shaping this movement moving forward.

Show notes

Until recently, Lina Khan was the chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Under her leadership, the FTC went after the anti-competitive tactics of tech giants, finalized rules to ban non-compete clauses, enforced the right to repair, and even took on ever-loathsome junk fees. Despite the limit resources of her department, Chair Khan made such undeniable strides in improving the lives of everyday Americans that even notable hardlined MAGA Republicans like Steve Bannon seemed to support her. Though Trump’s second term meant the end of her time with the FTC, it feels like what she accomplished is potentially the start of something bigger. This week, Adam is rejoined by Former FTC Chair Lina Khan to discuss the groundswell of support for anti-corporate legislation and what comes next for corporate power in America.

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