Lina Khan Resigns as FTC Chair Amid Antitrust Legacy

Lina Khan, known for her bold antitrust enforcement as head of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under President Joe Biden, announced her resignation. Her tenure was marked by efforts to curb corporate dominance, protect consumers, and ensure fair competition.

Khan's FTC challenged major mergers, including blocking Kroger's $25 billion acquisition of Albertsons and the Tapestry-Capri $8.5 billion merger. High-profile lawsuits against Amazon and investigations into Microsoft showcased her focus on Big Tech. Her leadership followed her 2017 critique of Amazon's monopoly practices, which highlighted anti-competitive pricing and data use.

Republican Commissioner Andrew Ferguson assumed the FTC chair on Monday as former President Donald Trump began his second term. Khan’s departure leaves the commission evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. However, Trump’s nominee, Mark Meador, a pro-enforcement attorney, will likely secure a Republican majority upon Senate approval.

Khan’s initiatives were not without controversy. A court struck down her proposed ban on worker noncompete agreements, and her rule for easier subscription cancellations faces legal challenges. Republican commissioners Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak opposed these policies, as well as a revived price discrimination case against an alcohol distributor.

Khan plans to use her final days at the FTC to complete legal and administrative tasks, ensuring smooth records management. Her departure signals a shift in the FTC’s direction, with potential implications for antitrust policy under new leadership.

This strategic transition may reshape the future of U.S. antitrust enforcement, particularly in the tech and consumer sectors.