Interesting Times with Ross Douthat The Progressive Regulator Winning Over the Populist Right
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Jun 19, 2025 
Lina Khan, former Chair of the Federal Trade Commission and an influential figure in antitrust advocacy, dives into the crucial topic of corporate power and its implications for everyday life. She discusses how unchecked monopolies limit consumer choice and stifles innovation. The conversation reveals surprising bipartisan agreement on regulating Big Tech and critiques the evolution of antitrust policies since the 1980s. Khan also explores the political complexities of the Trump administration's stance on anti-monopoly efforts, raising vital questions about the future of corporate regulation.
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Anti-Monopoly: Economic and Political Checks
- Anti-monopoly philosophy treats unchecked economic power like political autocracy needing checks.
- Corporate concentration harms consumer prices, wages, small businesses, and personal freedom.
Financial Crisis Impact on Khan
- Lina Khan witnessed widespread foreclosure and bank fraud after the 2008 financial crisis.
- She represented affected homeowners, fueling her desire to scrutinize markets and corporate power.
Shift to Permissive Antitrust Policy
- Since the 1980s, US antitrust policy shifted to allowing consolidation, reducing competition.
- Markets became dominated by few firms owning many brands, limiting real consumer choice.