As Americans grapple with rising prices, inflation remains the top concern for voters.
Lina Khan, the youngest chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), appointed at 32, has taken an aggressive stance against corporate consolidation, which she argues is a key driver of inflation. Khan believes that monopolistic practices by large corporations stifle competition and inflate costs for consumers, contributing to price increases on everyday essentials, from groceries to prescription drugs.
Khan’s leadership of the FTC has earned her both praise and criticism. While she is lauded by progressives for her efforts to curb corporate power and protect consumers, corporate boardrooms view her as a disruptive force. Khan’s aggressive approach has targeted major corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Google, sparking lawsuits aimed at preventing mergers and breaking up monopolistic practices.
Her most notable case is against the proposed merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, which together operate nearly 5,000 stores. Khan argues that this merger would further increase grocery prices, already a point of concern for many Americans. Though external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have driven supply chain disruptions, Khan contends that corporate consolidation allows companies to maintain high prices even as supply issues ease.
Khan’s crackdown on monopolies, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. Some of her lawsuits against large corporations have failed, but her efforts have still caused companies to abandon mergers preemptively. Critics argue that her strong stance against mergers could stifle innovation and disrupt market stability, particularly in the technology sector. Recently, concerns over an FTC inquiry into chipmaker Nvidia caused stock market jitters.
Despite the controversy, Khan’s approach has earned her surprising support from some MAGA Republicans, including Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election. Vance has praised her for targeting big tech, though he also argues that not all mergers are harmful and some are necessary for growth in certain industries.
Khan’s future as FTC chair is uncertain. If Trump wins the presidency, it’s unclear whether she would continue in her role, despite Vance’s support. Conversely, a Harris administration might face pressure from corporate donors to replace her, despite backing from progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders.
