The Dynamist Antitrust and Big Tech: from Biden to Trump w/Lina Khan
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Apr 7, 2025 
Lina Khan, a Columbia Law School professor and former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, stands at the forefront of the antitrust conversation. She reflects on her contentious tenure as critics and allies alike weighed in on her bold moves against tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Khan delves into the shifting philosophies of antitrust law and the challenges of regulating big tech in a rapidly evolving market. With political tensions brewing, she explores the future of competition policy and the surge of interest among younger advocates.
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FTC Commissioner Firings
- Trump fired two Democratic FTC commissioners, sparking controversy and a lawsuit.
- Many suggest this benefits tech companies facing FTC scrutiny, raising concerns about relaxed antitrust enforcement.
Antitrust Philosophy Debate
- Lina Khan's antitrust approach sparked debate, categorized as Neo-Brandeisian, focusing on broader consumer harms beyond price.
- This contrasts with the Chicago school's emphasis on price effects and the New Right's attempts to find a middle ground.
Revolutionizing Antitrust?
- Critics accused Khan of trying to change antitrust law through the courts, a 'lose to win' strategy.
- Khan denies this, stating she aimed to enforce existing laws and neglected precedents, not create new ones.
