CEOs Wanted Lina Khan Gone; They’re about to Get Their Wish

By Evans Momodu
4 minute read

Lina Khan, a polarising figure among corporate leaders, is stepping down as chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after a tenure marked by aggressive antitrust actions and sweeping regulations aimed at curbing corporate power.

President-elect Donald Trump has named current FTC Republican commissioner Andrew Ferguson as her successor, signaling a shift in the agency’s approach.

Lina Khan’s Legacy: a Bold Antitrust Agenda

Khan’s leadership at the FTC saw the blocking of major corporate mergers and the implementation of new regulations, including a controversial nationwide ban on non-compete clauses.

Critics, however, argued that Khan overstepped the FTC’s authority, sparking clashes over the agency's role in regulating businesses.

Andrew Ferguson’s Vision: Continuity and Contrast

Ferguson, a former aide to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Virginia solicitor general, brings a mixed outlook to the FTC.

While aligned with Khan’s view of tech industry concentration as a critical challenge, he diverges sharply on the scope of FTC authority.

Ferguson has argued for a narrower interpretation of the agency’s powers, opposing rulemaking initiatives like the non-compete ban, which he claimed overstepped congressional intent.

As chair, Ferguson is expected to:

• Continue Antitrust Enforcement: Pursue cases like the ongoing antitrust actions against Meta and Amazon.
• Limit Rulemaking: Avoid broad regulatory actions that were a hallmark of Khan’s leadership.
• Focus on Conservative Grievances: Ferguson’s tenure may emphasize addressing alleged anti-conservative bias in social media, viewing tech consolidation as a mechanism that could enable government overreach in content moderation.

Under Ferguson, the FTC is likely to balance antitrust enforcement with a reduced emphasis on sweeping regulatory changes.

The shift reflects a conservative institutionalist perspective, contrasting with Khan’s activist approach, while maintaining a focus on addressing tech industry dominance.

Ferguson’s leadership will shape the agency’s direction amid heightened political polarisation and evolving challenges in the tech and corporate landscape.
Source: CNN